The annual “Come and See” Discernment Weekend took place at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, on November 22nd and 23rd, drawing twenty-four men from around the country. The programme offered participants an immersive experience of seminary life, including shared prayer with the seminarians and guided opportunities to reflect on the nature of a vocation to diocesan priesthood.
Fr Willie Purcell, National Vocations Coordinator, highlighted the importance of the initiative, describing the weekend as “a vital introduction for those discerning a call to diocesan priesthood, offering them a genuine insight into the rhythm and reality of seminary formation.”
He also acknowledged the commitment of vocations directors nationwide. “I commend the excellent work being undertaken by our vocations directors in accompanying these men as they seek to hear and respond to the call of God,” he said. “Their guidance is instrumental as candidates come to a deeper understanding of what it means to serve as a diocesan priest.”
