For the first time in many years, the Canberra-Goulburn Archdiocese has seven seminarians preparing for the priesthood — a development vocation director Fr Emil Milat says is both encouraging and a reminder of the Church’s responsibility to support those discerning the call. Source: Catholic Voice.
“I think prayer first of all, as that was the gospel command from Jesus,” Fr Milat said when asked what may be behind the increase in vocations.
“Also, it is the fruit of having a group of younger priests ordained within the last ten years, who are pastorally very active and engaging in this generation of millennials.”
The seminarians are studying at Good Shepherd Seminary in Homebush, where their formation includes academic study, spiritual direction and pastoral experience in a range of ministries.
The growing number of seminarians also brings a financial commitment for the local Church, with their combined education costs estimated at about $350,000 each year.
The annual Good Shepherd Sunday Appeal, held this year on April 26, helps support those costs and encourages Catholics to assist in the formation of future priests.
Fr Milat encouraged parishioners to prayer for the seminarians as they continue their discernment.
“Praying the Rosary especially, after Mass, for vocations is very powerful.”
“Surveys show most priests first felt the call from experiencing Catholic prayer as a family.”
For fifth-year seminarian Bran Grgic, the desire to pursue priesthood reflects a deeper human search for meaning.
“St Augustine wrote, ‘You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you,’” he said.
“I think even in these increasingly secular societies people still continue to search for hope, truth and a real sense of purpose.
“Ultimately, only God can satisfy the longing of the human heart at our deepest, innermost level.”
Fourth-year seminarian Cinnil Thomas said his pastoral placement at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney has reinforced the same insight.
“In the hospital and in the surrounding areas I meet several people who hunger for profound meaning in their lives,” he said.
“I feel that many young men seek deep meaning, truth and a purpose greater than themselves.”
FULL STORY
Seven seminarians offer sign of hope for local Church (By Jeanine Doyle, Catholic Voice)
