US vocations delegation to share experience at Mayo conference

THE annual National Vocations Directors' Conference is being held at the International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine in Knock today (Tuesday) and tomorrow.

Welcoming the conference, Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan said: "The encouragement and ongoing formation of diocesan vocations directors, and vocations teams, is essential. To this end, a vocations conference is held each year under the auspices of the Bishops' Council for Vocations in order to support planning and best practice for promoting vocations to the priesthood."

This year’s conference will welcome international guests Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne, Archbishop of the Diocese of Hartford, Connecticut, USA, Father Anthony Federico, Vocations Director for the Diocese of Hartford, and Alex Soucy, Executive Director of Crossroads 4 Christ.

Bishop Cullinan continued: "I am very much looking forward to hearing from Archbishop Coyne, Father Federico, and the visiting team, who will present at our conference. Fr. Federico is passionate about priesthood and its promotion, and I am sure that he will give us new insights and impetus to the marvellous work already going on around the country.

“I ask the faithful to please pray for vocations to the priesthood and for the success of our vocations conference."

Fr. Willie Purcell, Ireland's national vocations coordinator, highlighted the importance of the Mayo gathering, stating: "The annual conference is always a fruitful opportunity for our vocations directors to come together to pray, to receive formation in vocations promotion, and to share what is happening and their experience regarding their own dioceses in the work of vocations ministry.

"We look forward to learning new ways of encouraging and promoting vocations throughout the country. Who better to inspire men to say 'Yes' to the call of Christ than those who have dedicated their lives to fostering and guiding vocations?

“Our conference will provide a valuable space for prayer, formation, and the sharing of best practices, ensuring that vocations ministry continues to inspire and encourage those who are discerning a call to diocesan priesthood in Ireland."