Cardinal Nichols stated that the Sacrament of Holy Order is based, not on a command structure, but on humble service. He said in his homily: “Service is the permanent and underlying foundation of all that is done by deacon, priest and bishop.”

"The ministry of a deacon is a ministry of personal integrity." – Archbishop Diarmuid Martin.

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin presides at ordination of Rev Fergal Cummins of Meath, Rev Ricky O’Connor of Ferns, and Divine Word Missionaries, Rev Yanbo Chen and Rev Gerhard Osthues.

One of the biggest challenges facing the Irish Church at the moment is the shortage of candidates coming forward to priesthood and religious life – Bishop of Ferns.

Sunday’s ordinations will bring to four the number of new priests ordained for Clogher in the past three years.

First ever meeting of permanent deacons, candidates for the permanent diaconate and their wives from all around Ireland.

President of St Patrick’s College Maynooth hopes nine new deacons will build up the ‘Body of Christ’ as they “serve the people of God in their various dioceses".

Ordination coincides with the special Jubilee of Deacons taking place in Rome to mark the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy.

Rev Malachy Gallagher is preparing for service in the Diocese of Derry and Rev Bill O’Shaughnessy is preparing for service in the Archdiocese of Dublin.

Three articles in the 1 March issue of L’Osservatore Romano argue that the current prohibition on women preaching should be reconsidered.

“It is possible to create safe spaces for those who think alike and who may come to feel that because they are like-minded they have discovered to right way.”

Homiletic directory gives guidelines for preaching but the most important thing is 'authenticity of preaching' says Director of Priory Institute, Fr John Littleton.

Nine new deacons and 14 ordinations to the priesthood contribute to a "remarkable year" for Maynooth.

The nine are from the dioceses of Armagh, Clogher, Cork & Ross, Derry, Down & Connor, Galway (2), and Meath (2).

“I have been constantly told by people working in the Vatican that they can’t say no to women deacons, they just don’t want to say yes" - Dr Phyllis Zagano.

"Every gift that God gives is not just for ourselves. It is for others, to be shared, and will bring most joy when it is shared.”

“The credibility of how you preach the message of Jesus in today’s society will depend on the sensitivity of the language you use" - Archbishop Martin.

There are many examples of renewal in the Church in Ireland today Archbishop of Dublin suggests.

“We will not heal those whose lives have drifted from Jesus Christ by throwing books of dogma at them," warns Archbishop Martin.

Two spokespeople for lay reform groups urge Irish bishops to call a national assembly to discuss the role of women in the Church.

Deanery groupings will no longer be made up solely of priests but will expand membership to allow participation of laity and Religious.

"The priest is called to nourish the faith of God’s people, but the faith of God’s people also nourishes the priest."

Marketing consultant and music graduate to be ordained to the priesthood in the next year.