Established in 1981 during a period of declining vocations in North America, RSVP provides direct financial support to individuals in religious training through contributions from the Knights’ network of more than 16,800 local councils. For every $500 a local council donates to a seminarian or aspiring religious, the Supreme Council of the Knights reimburses the council with an additional $100, incentivizing donations up to a maximum of $400 per recipient.

The RSVP program also encourages local councils to provide non-financial support, such as sending letters, making personal visits to seminaries, and inviting seminarians to local events. This personal connection is designed to create lasting bonds between religious aspirants and the communities they aim to serve. Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly emphasized the importance of this connection, stating that last year alone, over 2,700 councils contributed a record-breaking $4.1 million through RSVP.

Kelly noted that the organization’s commitment to supporting vocations stems from its founder, Blessed Michael J. McGivney, whose own path to priesthood was threatened by financial hardship. Born to Irish immigrants in Connecticut in 1852, McGivney had to leave school at 13 to support his family. Later, his studies at St. Mary’s College in Montreal were nearly derailed when his father passed away. A timely scholarship from the Bishop of Hartford allowed him to continue, paving the way for his priesthood and the eventual founding of the Knights of Columbus.

Kelly underscored the significance of this support today, as many seminarians face steep educational costs—reaching $55,000 annually in some regions. Many also bring student debt from their undergraduate studies, making programs like RSVP essential. Kelly described RSVP as a way to “pay forward” the life-changing support that enabled McGivney to fulfill his vocation, adding that these initiatives are crucial for empowering the next generation of Catholic clergy.

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In his address, the Pope highlighted the importance of forming bonds that embody the priesthood’s calling, urging seminarians to foster a deep sense of unity with God, their bishops, fellow clergy, and the faithful community. He underscored the need for these four dimensions of closeness, noting that a priest isolated from his bishop is “lame, missing something essential.”

Pope Francis further encouraged the seminarians to reflect on the tradition of the “Reserved Procession,” a historical ceremony marking the first reservation of the Holy Eucharist in their seminary’s chapel tabernacle. He linked its stages—the celebration of the Eucharist, a day-long Eucharistic adoration, and a concluding procession—with the foundations of priestly life. In each stage, he emphasized, priests are called to embody a self-giving love, deep communion with Christ, and an unwavering commitment to accompany the faithful.

During the dialogue, the seminarians were invited to share their thoughts and experiences, creating an atmosphere of fraternity and reflection. Pope Francis expressed his wish that their journey to priesthood be one of genuine devotion, marked by a living relationship with Christ, and an unwavering commitment to serve others.

***

Dear bishops,
Dear formators and staff of the Seminary,
Dear Seminarians,

I am pleased to meet a new group of seminarians who, like the confraternities in the towns of Spain, come in procession to this Mother Church, for a station of penance. Penance, or tourism?

This analogy came to my mind, first of all because it is always useful to look at the Holy People of God in their spirituality, their simple spirituality. You know that priests must be close, the must promote proximity. First, closeness with God, so that there may be capacity to encounter the Lord, to be close to the Lord. Second, closeness with bishops, and bishops close to priests. A priest who is not close to his bishop is “lame”, he is lacking something. Third, closeness among you priests, which already begins in the seminary, and fourth, closeness to the holy faithful people of God. Do not forget these four forms of proximity.

I know that in these days you are preparing for the procession of the “Reservado”. An ancient tradition that commemorates the first time the Blessed Sacrament was reservado, or rather conserved, in the Tabernacle of the chapel. Watch how you genuflect when you go, watch.

This interesting commemoration consists of three moments: the celebration of the Eucharist, the exposition of the Sacrament during the entire day, and finally the procession. These phases can serve to remind us of the fundamental elements of the priesthood for which you are preparing. First of all, the Eucharistic celebration. It is Jesus who comes into our life to give us the proof of the greatest love. He invites us, as Church, to make ourselves present in the priesthood and among the people, in the sacrament and in the Word. May having him on earth absorb your life and your heart.

Then, the Lord remains exposed in the monstrance all day long. It is a time to be alone with Him, to hear His voice in silence, in listening to the Word, in the witness of faith of those who pray beside us.  Only the person-to-person, loving encounter with Jesus can illuminate, maintain and sustain the course of our earthly day.  May this encounter truly be an effective impulse that transforms your existence.

Finally, carrying the Lord in procession, because we receive Him in order to carry Him: our ministry is to accompany Christ towards His people, and the people towards Christ. May you, without turning your gaze away from the One who judges us, learn to walk together in the hope of the encounter of which we already have a foretaste here in a sacramental way. Thank you.

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Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, chair of the Bishops’ Council for Vocations, expressed his gratitude and optimism. “It is truly heartening that 21 men have begun their journey as seminarians across various institutions, taking part in preparatory courses. We give thanks to God for each one of them,» he said. His words reflect a growing sense of hope within the Irish Church, which has seen a concerted effort to reinvigorate discussions about the priesthood.

A Renewed Focus on Vocations

Over the past year, Ireland’s bishops have spearheaded a national push to encourage men to answer the call to priesthood, using both traditional methods and social media platforms to reach wider audiences. Parishes have been actively promoting vocations, while prayers for new priests have been emphasized in communities across the country. Feedback from these efforts shows that encounters with both clergy and committed laypeople have played a pivotal role in fostering a renewed understanding of the priesthood.

«The idea that God continues to call men to serve as priests has taken root once again in the minds and hearts of the faithful,» Bishop Cullinan noted. His message was clear: the need for more priests remains critical, and the work of promoting vocations must continue with urgency and commitment. He praised the example set by priests across Ireland, whose compassionate leadership in both good times and bad continues to inspire new generations.

Responding to God’s Call

Father Willie Purcell, the National Coordinator for Diocesan Vocations, also welcomed the new seminarians, emphasizing that their response to God’s call is a testament to the ongoing need for priestly vocations in the modern world. «These 21 men entering the propedeutic year show the world that God’s call to the diocesan priesthood never stops. While today’s number is good news, I pray that vocations will continue to grow in the years to come. The Church and the faithful need priests,» said Father Purcell.

He also highlighted the significance of the global Synodal Path, a process of reflection and renewal for the Church. Father Purcell pointed out that the generosity of these new seminarians is a reminder for all Catholics to reflect on their own vocational stories and to participate in the ongoing renewal of their dioceses and parishes. He extended his gratitude to the vocation directors across Ireland, whose guidance and support have been crucial in helping men discern their call to priesthood.

Diverse Pathways for Formation

The new seminarians are spread across several seminaries, both in Ireland and abroad. They are currently undergoing their propedeutic program at institutions including the Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Dundalk, the Archdiocese of Armagh, the Royal English College in Valladolid, Spain, the Royal Scots College in Salamanca, Spain, and the International Seminary in Ars, France. These centers of formation offer not only academic and theological training but also a nurturing environment for spiritual and personal growth, vital for the future priests of the Church.

A Hopeful Future for the Irish Church

As Ireland continues to navigate the challenges of a changing religious landscape, the arrival of these 21 seminarians brings renewed hope. Their decision to pursue priesthood in a time when vocations have been on the decline sends a powerful message about faith and commitment. Bishop Cullinan’s words of encouragement echoed a wider sentiment: «Let us pray that those who have chosen the path of the priesthood will find fulfillment and bring Christ’s truth and healing to our broken world.»

While the numbers are modest, the dedication of these men is a significant step forward for the Irish Church. Their presence in seminaries across Europe and Ireland signifies a broader, global vision for the priesthood, and their journeys will likely inspire others to consider the same path.

As the faithful continue their Synodal journey, these 21 men serve as a reminder of the importance of priestly vocations in sustaining the life and mission of the Church. With their commitment, they embody the hope for a renewed and revitalized Church in Ireland.

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Currently, 26 men from dioceses in Northern Ireland are in formation for the priesthood, a number greeted with cautious optimism. The Archdiocese of Armagh leads with 16 seminarians, followed by Derry with four, Dromore with two, and Down and Connor with three. Down and Connor is also expecting an additional six seminarians to enter formation next month, marking the highest intake in three years for the diocese. 

A Critical Boost for the Church

Father Eddie Magee, spokesperson for the Diocese of Down and Connor, emphasized the importance of this increase in vocations. He acknowledged that the new seminarians are arriving at a time when the Church is facing significant difficulties in meeting the spiritual needs of its congregations.

“These vocations come at a crucial time when fulfilling pastoral demands in our parishes is increasingly challenging,” Magee told the Irish News. He added that the rise in seminarians reflects the Church’s unwavering commitment to fostering and supporting those who feel called to the priesthood.

Each diocese has a Vocations Director, who assists those discerning their vocation. This support is bolstered by annual retreats and events designed to guide individuals considering a life of ministry. The Church is working to create environments where potential priests can explore their calling in a deeper and more meaningful way.

Signs of Renewal Amid Ongoing Challenges

The modest increase in vocations stands in contrast to the reality faced by the Church in Ireland just a few decades ago. In the past, the National Seminary at Maynooth could host over 500 seminarians at its peak. Today, however, the seminary only has around 20 men in formation for the priesthood, underscoring the broader struggles the Church continues to face in attracting new vocations.

The closure of St. Malachy’s Diocesan Seminary in Belfast in 2018 further complicated the situation. Following its closure, seminarians from the diocese were sent to institutions in Italy, Spain, France, and Ireland. While this has spread out the formation process across multiple locations, the commitment of those entering the priesthood remains undiminished.

A Glimmer of Hope for the Future

Despite the continuing obstacles, the increase in men responding to the priesthood indicates that faith remains a vibrant part of Irish society. Father Magee highlighted the need for the Church and its community to continue praying for vocations and supporting those who choose the path of ministry—whether as priests, deacons, or members of religious life.

“As a diocese, we ask for God’s blessing on all those responding to the call to priestly ministry and encourage everyone to keep praying for more vocations,” Magee concluded.

The rise in the number of seminarians offers more than just hope for the future of the Church in Ireland—it is a reassuring sign that even in difficult times, the commitment to faith and service continues to resonate with young men across the country. The Church’s work is far from over, but this increase is a step in the right direction, pointing toward the possibility of renewed vibrancy in the decades to come.

This modest revival may well serve as a turning point for the Catholic Church in Ireland, reminding both clergy and laypeople that even amidst challenges, faith can inspire a new generation of leaders to guide the Church forward.

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The 21-year-old athlete, born in Toledo, Ohio, USA, began the weightlifting sport at 17. He was outstanding in the maximum starting weight of 324 pounds and clean and jerk of 388 pounds. Heller was born into a Catholic family and went to Catholic schools: the first seven in a diocesan school and the last six in one run by the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales.

“I cannot say that sometimes I was a practicing Catholic,” he said. “I went to Mass on Sundays, but I never went to Adoration. I really did not pray the Rosary. I went to one of those schools that was somewhat Catholic in name . . . So, in reality, I alienated myself from the faith when I arrived at Northern [University]”.

Thanks to a FOCUS missionary, whom he met at University, he felt the unease of the call to the priesthood. After Midnight Mass in his first year of University, he recalled, “It was funny, because my dormitory in fact looked out directly on the Ministry Center of the Catholic Campus and I was on the e-mail list of the Catholic Campus Ministries but I had unsubscribed. “

He took part in biblical studies and discipleship events. In December 2022 the parish priest of the church suggested he consider the priesthood. ”I simply laughed, and in my mind I thought: The fact that a man goes to Mass every day doesn’t mean he wants to be a priest.” He ignored the meeting with that priest for four months.

An only child, he was thinking of getting married and having children; he considered being a Deacon. After taking part in the diocese’s Eucharistic Congress and Priestly Ordination, he valued the proposal more. He took spiritual direction and read Timothy Gallagher’s “Discernment of Spirits.” He applied to the Seminary in October 2023 and was accepted in January of the following year.

During his talk with the Bishop, Heller asked him if he could continue his weightlifting. “He said he would support him but, obviously, if the academics failed or if the spiritual life was not developing, then the weightlifting would have to disappear.“ He was amazed that the Director of the Seminary’s propaedeutic program is a weightlifter and has a gym in the basement with all the equipment Heller needs. “I believe God really wants me to do this,” he said between laughs.

In an interview with CNA he explained the relationship between sport and preparation for the priesthood. The beginning of concupiscence: we feel attracted to the sin and we must do all that is within our reach to combat it. I compare it to a barbell and gravity. When I reach the weightlifting platform, the barbell is on the floor and, if I don’t do anything, it stays on the floor. However, through repeated efforts for a long time, through many difficulties, I’m able to lift the barbell from the floor and the barbell stays in the air as long as I lift it from the floor. The same thing happens to a man who tries to fight sin: he must make that constant effort, be tenacious, to lift the barbell in the air, to avoid sinning.

In his preparation for the Seminary’s courses, he doesn’t know what will come after with regard to the weightlifting. “I don’t need to know what will follow. We will find out when the time comes . . .  If God want it to happen, it will happen.”

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Bishop Godfrey Igwebuike Onah, has directed the diocese since his Episcopal Ordination in July 2023. At the end of the Priestly Ordination, he expressed his gratitude and joy for the growth in the number of priests serving in his Episcopal See.

Bishop Onah addressed the Deacons, who were going to be ordained priests during the Eucharistic Celebration in Saint Tresa’s Cathedral, saying that they were receiving a gift with which they will be “profoundly transformed and configured to Christ.”

With the August Ordination, the number of priests in the diocese has doubled over the last ten years. During the homily, the local Bishop warned the priests about the use of the social networks in their ministry. “There are certain places that priests must avoid, certain Websites they must not visit, certain applications they must not download and certain networks they must not relate to. Their attire must also reflect their sacred vocation.”

If there is only one seminarian in the Dublin diocese, it is worth reflecting on the reason why Monsignor Onah commented on the global context of their vocation, reminding the 23 Deacons, who were going to be Ordained Priests in his diocese, that they are at the service of the Catholic Church worldwide at any moment. “As priests, you must discern about where you are going and what you are doing. You must remember that you are clay pots that carry a precious treasure and must keep it with care.”

Given the 195 diocesan priests and 16 men religious existing in the diocese in 2013, who now number 417, he highlighted a parallel with the Prophet Jeremiah, called to prophesy to the nations. ”So long as  you are faithful to this mission, you have nothing to fear. In Christ, the roles of Pastor, Priest and Prophet are combined, and your brothers and friends now assume this responsibility,” he continued.

The Bishop reminded the 23 new priests that they are not the “result of an accident, without caring about what science suggests. Every human being is a unique expression of the love of God, unique and irreplaceable.”

Bishop Onah asked the faithful to support the new priests with their prayers and not interfere in their ministry. And he thanked “the families, the parish communities and all those that contributed to the formation of these young men, acknowledging the collective effort necessary to prepare them for their lifelong commitment.”

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The gathering, which began shortly after 9:00 AM and lasted nearly two hours, saw Pope Francis handing the seminarians a written message while dedicating most of the time to an engaging Q&A session. This interactive format allowed the seminarians to ask up to twelve questions, turning the audience into a dynamic dialogue.

In his written message, Pope Francis urged the seminarians to be “men of integrity and generosity in responding to their vocation, always ready to listen and forgive, fully committed to God and their fellow men, especially those who suffer the most—the poor and the marginalized.”

Bishop Ginés García Beltrán expressed his joy following the audience, highlighting the significance of celebrating the 30th anniversary of the seminary with the Pope. “We met with a father who welcomed us, answered sincerely with his straightforward, yet profoundly insightful style,” he said.

During the discussion, Pope Francis emphasized the four key relationships every priest must cultivate: closeness to God, the bishop, fellow priests, and the people. He also discussed the balance between obedience and freedom and the integration of ecclesial movements within the diocese.

Bishop García Beltrán humorously recounted how the Pope was surprised by the number of seminarians present, even jokingly asking, “What are you doing to have this many?”

Auxiliary Bishop José María Avendaño highlighted the Pope’s emphasis on an intimate life with the Lord, which should manifest in church unity and communion. He noted the Pope’s good health, humor, and depth in addressing existential questions.

Cruz Gonzalo López Palomo, the rector of the Major Seminary of Getafe, was deeply moved by the direct interaction with the Pope. He recalled the Pope’s advice to formators to act like fathers, stressing the importance of providing clear guidance and norms.

Antonio Sánchez, a 24-year-old seminarian from Alcorcón, shared his personal encounter with the Pope. Seeking advice for those about to be ordained as deacons, Sánchez was counseled on the need for closeness to God, fervor in mission, and patience.

At the conclusion of the audience, the seminarians presented Pope Francis with several gifts, including an image of the Sacred Heart, centennial acts of the Sacred Heart, a cross with a resurrected Christ, pastries, a letter of petitions and thanks from the diocese, and a football jersey from the seminary bearing the Pope’s name.

The Pope’s written message expressed his joy at receiving the community from the Major Seminary «Our Lady of the Apostles» of Getafe, which came in pilgrimage to the tombs of the apostles Peter and Paul as part of their 30th-anniversary celebrations. Reflecting on the life of St. John Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests, whose feast is celebrated on August 4, Pope Francis reminded the seminarians of the immense good that priests do for their communities.

“This journey of becoming more like Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is not without its challenges,” the Pope wrote, urging the seminarians to focus on four fundamental aspects: spiritual life, study, community life, and apostolic activity. He stressed the importance of harmonizing these aspects to become priests who are integral and generous in their response to their vocation, always ready to listen, forgive, and serve, particularly the suffering, the poor, and the excluded.

In closing, Pope Francis invoked the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a prominent monument at the Cerro de los Ángeles, and asked the Lord to be the center of the seminarians’ lives. He prayed that their hearts would be shaped according to His and that they would remain close to His heart, with the protection of Our Lady of the Angels guiding them on their journey.

This heartfelt encounter with Pope Francis not only enriched the seminarians’ faith but also reinforced their commitment to their vocational journey and their role within the broader church community.

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The training centre in Mothbari, south-west Bangladesh will help promote vocations by allowing novices to study in their mother tongue, according to Father Ripon Rozario, Jesuit Mission Superior in Bangladesh.

Father Rozario told Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) that his order used to send novices abroad to train – especially to India – but obtaining visas has become increasingly difficult.

He said that the support provided by ACN for the construction of the centre was “a grace of God”.

Father Rozario added: “We already have four novices in our novitiate programme with six more joining in June.”

He highlighted that the Catholic Church “has contributed immensely to the country” – “particularly in the fields of health and education”.

He said the Jesuits first arrived in Bangladesh in 1576 but were forced to leave soon after for political reasons, adding: “We were only able to re-establish ourselves in the country in 1994.

“We run two schools, a retreat house, various spiritual and pastoral programmes, and a youth ministry.”

There are now 28 Jesuits in the South Asian country, the vast majority of whom are native vocations.

The priest said that “there are approximately 500,000 Christians in Bangladesh [a country with a population of 171 million], around 300,000 of whom are Catholics”.

He added: “The Church is quite vibrant, and we have numerous charitable activities.”

He explained that young Catholics are often inspired to join the Jesuits by witnessing the spiritual and social services offered by the order and the Church in general.

Father Rozario thanked ACN’s benefactors for their “generous support” which has allowed them to complete the construction of the training centre, making it ready to accommodate more vocations.

He concluded: “Thank you for all the support that you have given to the Bangladesh Jesuit Mission through ACN.”

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At the ordination Mass at Westminster Cathedral, Thomas Blackburn, Domagoj Matakovic and Robert Smialek were surrounded by family and friends, supporting them as they began their journey of priesthood. They were also joined by parishioners from across the diocese to celebrate this occasion and pray for the success and faithfulness of their ministries.

Following their ordination each were presented in-turn with a chalice which dates back to the pre-reformation and forms a part of the cathedral’s historic collection. During the consecration, the Cardinal himself used a chalice belonging to Fr Christopher McKenna, who was the first priest ever ordained at Westminster Cathedral.

One by one, the new priests were greeted and embraced by their brothers with whom they now share a sacred bond.

In his homily Cardinal Vincent Nichols spoke of the priestly calling that exists in all of us:

‘Every baptised person, each one of us, by virtue of that baptism, has been given the character of royal priesthood. This is our deepest identity. Because of this priesthood, we know that our whole life is to be an act of worship of God, an offering made to God, day by day.

‘In this priesthood of the baptised we begin each day with the prayer of a morning offering. In this way every home, every place of work, every moment can be made holy, unfolding in God’s presence. That is our priestly calling: to praise and honour God with our lives.’

Following his ordination, Fr Robert Smialek said:

‘The Lord in his infinite wisdom brought all sorts of family members, priests, parishioners, and friends into my life to support me. I am therefore, eternally grateful to all the people that I have met along the way, who shared and learned the faith with me, who strengthened and encouraged me and who rejoice in the Lord with me.

‘Much was given to me and now that I am priest, I look forward to giving back with sincere gratitude.’

He also had a message for those discerning a priestly vocation:

‘For those of you who feel the Lord is calling you to the priesthood I implore you to follow him. After eight years of formation, I can say with absolute certainty and truth: God is Good! His ways our not our ways but his ways are far better! ‘

Their first appointments as assistant priests are as follows:

Fr Thomas Blackburn – Our Lady of Lourdes, New Southgate

Fr Domagoj Matokovic – Our Lady Help of Christians, Rickmansworth, St John Fisher, Chorleywood and St John the Evangelist, Mill End

Fr Robert Smialek – St Joseph, Transfiguration, St Hilda, Stevenage Parishes

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On June 15, the Archdiocese of Washington, DC, celebrated the Ordination of 16 new priests. Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory ordained the largest number of priests since 1960. After 64 years, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception witnessed a happy progress for the Church’s service.

The ages of the new priests oscillated between 25 and 64 years, including a survivor of the Rwandan genocide, a former emergencies doctor and military veterans. Cardinal Gregory highlighted the increase of priestly vocations, the support of family members and friends in their dedication to God and urged the new priests to reinforce their priesthood with prayer and the Sacraments.

In his homily, the Cardinal also highlighted the importance of unconditional love, proposing to the new priests that they dedicate “their lives in imitation of the One who gave His life for us.”

There were 13 Ordinations in the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis, in a ceremony attended by 3,500 people, where Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda explained the varied antecedents of the new priests: candidates from a marketing career, from the Air Force and from social work. He pointed out that their abilities and experience will help them in the service of the souls entrusted to them.

The growth of vocations in the United States is striking: Archbishop José H. Gómez of Los Angeles ordained 11 new priests. They received the priestly order in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. The Archbishop urged them to live love intensely in the priesthood, recalling Saint John Vianney’s words: “The priesthood is the love of the Heart of Jesus.”

The nine priests ordained in Milwaukee received priestly consecration in the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist. Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki reminded them of the priest’s role in the creation and formation of communities through the Sacraments and charity, encouraging them to “serve Jesus Christ faithfully in His Church.”

This significant increase in Ordinations opens a hopeful future for the Catholic Church in the United States, in the context of a new generational change in the Church.

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