Five young seminarians for Tuam Archdiocese

By TOM GILMORE FIVE young seminarians are currently studying for the priesthood for the Tuam Archdiocese and are among over 90 currently studying for the priesthood, 72 in Maynooth with the remainder in Saint Malachy's College Belfast, the Irish College Rome and in the Beda College, which is also in Rome. [private] Among the 22 men who began their studies for the priesthood at Ireland's national seminary, Saint Patrick's College, Maynooth at the weekend was Gerard Quirke (21) from Parkview Drive, Tuam. The others studying for work in the Archdiocese are Shane Sullivan, a native of the USA but with roots in Kilkieran, Connemara and Eugene O'Boyle, Claremorris, who are both due to be ordained this year. Sean Flynn from Castlebar is in his pastoral year and will be doing his practical work in Athenry parish. He is due to be ordained in two years' time while Aidan Gallagher from Louisburgh is in his second arts year in Maynooth. The group of 22 seminarians who entered Maynooth on Sunday include a chartered surveyor, a pub manager, several mature students and at least one school leaver. The average age of the new entrants is 25, and they come from 14 of the 26 dioceses of Ireland. In Co Galway the three dioceses have one new entrant for each area of Tuam, Galway and Clonfert. After an introductory month, 18 students will commence their academic formation in Maynooth and the remaining four will undertake their studies at Saint Malachy's College, Belfast. Monsignor Hugh Connolly, the President of Saint Patrick's College, Maynooth, welcomed the students and their families to Maynooth. 'This is always an exciting time for the Seminary, when we prepare to receive the new students among us. 'Once again you come from a wide range of backgrounds, previous experiences, and the four corners of the country, but with one common factor â€â€œ you are responding to an invitation given in and through faith to become priests who will spread the Gospel in the years to come,' he said. He thanked the families and friends of the new candidates for their strength and generosity in supporting the men so far, and asked them to continue to provide further vital encouragement. He added that the road ahead for all the young seminarians would have many challenges. Bishop Donal McKeown, chairperson of the Council for Vocations of the Irish Episcopal Conference, highlighted the reality that the new seminarians have a long period of formation ahead, which will include human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral development. 'God has asked you to accept His call to go out to the rich harvest where the labourers are few,' said Bishop McKeown. The National Co-ordinator for Diocesan Vocation Directors, Father Paddy Rushe, also welcomed the substantial 2011 figure of new seminarians for the Catholic Church. Saint Patrick's College Maynooth is the national seminary for Ireland and has been forming men for the priesthood since 1795. The current trustees are the four Archbishops together with 13 other senior Bishops. In the last five years the total annual number of new seminarians beginning their studies in Maynooth has been 16 in 2010, 36 in 2009, 30 in 2008, 31 in 2007, and 30 in 2006. Several of the new seminarians, including Tuam's Gerard Quirke, have recently returned from the World Youth Day celebration in Madrid, which was addressed by Pope Benedict. [/private]