Drop in number of men starting studies for priesthood at Maynooth 'disappointing, but not unexpected'

"Mandatory celibacy and not allowing women to become priests are among the reasons given for the decrease"

"A drop in the number of men starting studies for the priesthood at the national seminary in Maynooth is "disappointing" but "not unexpected", a spokesman for the Association of Catholic Priests (ACP) has said."

"Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, chair of the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference Council for Vocations, said yesterday that 13 men will begin their studies for the priesthood this autumn."

Enrollment for priesthood studies at the national seminary in Maynooth has declined. Mandatory celibacy and exclusion of women from the priesthood are cited among reasons for the decrease. The reduction in new seminarians is described as "disappointing" but "not unexpected". Thirteen men will begin studies for the priesthood this autumn at the national seminary in Maynooth. The smaller intake reduces the pool of candidates preparing for ordination and places pressure on parish staffing and future Church ministry. The trend underscores persistent vocational challenges and fuels calls for reconsideration of clerical discipline and gender inclusion.

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