Ordination Class of 2009

Six students from St Patrick’s College, Maynooth are being ordained to the priesthood in 2009, a year dedicated to Saint Paul, and also to Vocations. These ordinations are currently taking place in dioceses throughout the country, and one in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The following are the dates and dioceses of this year’s ordinations to the priesthood:

• 7 June 2009: Rev Martin Whelan, Galway
• 14 June 2009: Rev Michael Toomey, Waterford & Lismore (Click for more details)
• 27 June 2009: Rev Aloysius Zuribo, Dublin
• 11 July 2009: Rev Donald McLoughlin, Johannesburg
• 15 August 2009: Rev Francis Coll, Armagh

We give thanks to God for the generosity and commitment of these students who are to be ordained in this the 'Year of Vocations'. The ordination to the priesthood of five students from Maynooth College is a source of joy and gratitude for our entire college community.

Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, preaching during his US visit last year said, "Young men and women, I urge you: open your hearts to the Lord's call to follow him in the priesthood and the religious life. Can there be any greater mark of love than this: to follow in the footsteps of Christ, who was willing to lay down his life for his friends (cf. Jn 15:13)."

All of us here in the National Seminary in Maynooth wish our ordinands heartiest congratulations and prayerful best wishes for a long and fruitful ministry.

Click on the image to view a larger version of the Classpiece..