On World Day of Consecrated Life, bishops urge religious not to wear themselves out ensuring the survival of structures inherited from previous centuries which no longer correspond to life today.
As the number of priests in the diocese grows smaller, Bishop Gavin said: “We need to actively go out of our way to encourage, foster, nourish and promote vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.”
“She bowed down before those who were spent, left to die on the side of the road, seeing in them their God-given dignity; she made her voice heard before the powers of this world, so that they might recognise their guilt for the crime of poverty they created.”
"Make sure that the sacrifice of celibacy is matched with simplicity of life-style. A pampered celibacy is a counter-sign of Christ’s call.”
‘God has committed some work to me which he has not committed to another. No one is unimportant to God.'
"We live in a world which is often harsh and violent. We have witnessed horrific, hate-filled violence and retaliation on our streets again," Archbishop of Dublin.
"Our celebration is tinged with a certain sadness because we say farewell to the Sisters who were at the very heartbeat of this community over these years".
The pastoral care of marriage and the family will be the key focus of the national congress this weekend.
Though their numbers are smaller today, Irish religious still make “an immense contribution” to Ireland and the world by living their particular apostolates and charisms.
Up to 600 parish representatives join Bishop Buckley and members of Cork & Ross' religious orders to mark the Year for Consecrated Life.
595 men expected to be ordained to the priesthood in 2015, an increase of 24.7% on last year’s figure of 477, according to US Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Pope Francis marks 500th anniversary of the Spanish nun, mystic and reformer of the Carmelite Order's birth in March 1515.
Christian ethic of self-giving and generosity challenges the Church, which is called never to be self-promoting: Archbishop Martin.
Bishop Nulty suggests religious congregations consider having an ‘Open House’ in an effort to allow society gain a deeper understanding of their charism and life.
"Religious have to learn to share their prayer life with others."
Crisis in religious life is not an "antechamber of death" but an opportunity to grow in depth and hope.
Pontiff tells leaders of religious orders they should not tolerate corruption.
