BISHOP DUFFY ADDRESSES CHALLENGES TO PRIESTHOOD AT KNOCK PILGRIMAGE

The current challenges facing the priesthood in Ireland were addressed by Roman Catholic Bishop of Clogher Larry Duffy in a homily delivered last week during the Clogher Pilgrimage to Knock. Speaking at a Mass in the Basilica of Our Lady, Queen of Ireland, Bishop Duffy welcomed the preparation for the priesthood being undertaken by Stephen Sherry in the Clogher diocese. Noting that the numbers entering the religious life were much reduced from 30-50 years ago, Bishop Duffy stated: “We are facing significant changes, considering what we have been used to.”

He told those from the diocese present in the congregation: “You are the Church – you are the present and future of our Church. We can adopt two contrasting attitudes. One, where we become discouraged and lament the present situation and fail to have hope and complain. Or we can be filled with hope because God is ultimately in charge.”

Bishop Duffy said in his homily: “The Diocese of Clogher has one student preparing for priesthood – Stephen Sherry. Last week, Stephen and I met to reflect on vocation to priesthood. We were preparing for a programme on Radio Maria. “Interestingly we both spoke of the influence of priests, family and teachers. Stephen is about to begin his pastoral year when he will experience parish life in its various form. I ask you to keep Stephen….