Saturday, August 10, 2013

New Irish bishop makes vocations a priority

Bishop Denis Nulty - Kildare and Leighlin diocese


The newly ordained bishop of Kildare and Leighlin Denis Nulty  (the home diocese of this blogger) has indicated in his remarks at his address to the congregation on the day of his installation that he will make vocations a priority as he takes up his new role. This is newsworthy and very encouraging for all who are involved in vocations ministry in Ireland. It is a rare event to hear an Irish bishop speak about vocations (other than Vocations Sunday each year) at a public event. Indeed for those who do, generally the tone is one of pessimism or to undermine those who have courageously taken the decision to give themselves to God in pursuing their vocational call. I hope earnestly that Bishop Nulty will give leadership on the issue of vocations in the time ahead. In the meantime, I wish him well in leading my home diocese.

In that opening address, the new bishop stated: "The priesthood is a call, not a career; a way of life, not a job; an identity, not just a role. The word gladness has its roots in gratitude and gratefulness – we serve the Lord because we have so much to be thankful for – we serve the Lord with joy. The best examples of priesthood for me are joyful priests who love their faith and who love the Church. Every priest is a Vocations Director – we priests and people need a renewed vigour about our priesthood and a fresh courage to invite others to respond to that call."

 

No comments: