The President of Ireland’s largest training college for Roman Catholic priests has said media reports suggesting the national seminary may close “are without foundation.”
St Patrick’s College Maynooth in Co Kildare has been preparing men for the priesthood since 1795.
Monsignor Hugh Connolly said: “There are 72 men studying for the priesthood in Maynooth, making us the largest seminary on these islands and one of the largest in Europe. Media reports today about the possible closure of the seminary are without foundation.
“The media outlet leading with this incorrect story was sent a reply from us yesterday and its absence from the published copy is disappointing and damaging.”
Monsignor Connolly describes the College as “a vibrant centre of seminary formation and theological research.”
He said: “In addition to our 72 student priests, we provide academic formation for an increasing number of non-resident seminarians from religious orders, and for 366 lay students.”
“Maynooth is confident of its contribution to the future of the Church in Ireland.”
He added that the recent Apostolic Visitation to the seminary “was a positive and affirming experience for the whole College community.”
“It generated a spirit of hope and enthusiasm which will no doubt play a significant part in the renewal of the Church in our country.”