Archbishop Diarmuid Martin leads prayers and condolences for Berkeley victims saying "These young men and women were the products of what is best in Irish families".

"Sow generously in season and out of season. Leave worries about the growth to the Lord," Bishop Donal McKeown tells newly ordained Fr Seán O'Donnell.

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

“Each one of us is asked to leave our comfort zones and reach out to others to spread the joy of the Gospel. But in order to evangelise, we need first to be evangelised ourselves."

One of the particular themes Pope Francis stresses is that the call to be Christians begins on the periphery.

Fr Seán’s experience of family life has the potential to be an enormous help to many people he may encounter in his priesthood: Bishop Nulty

Lack of state funding and cap on enrolments of those eligible for free fees scheme cited.

“The visit was very friendly and cordial and very warmly supportive of the seminary community.”

Nearly 100 men and women entered seminaries and religious houses in 2013.

"See the surroundings, experience the life of a seminarian and allow God to work from there.”