The Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Diarmuid Martin, this morning ordained three men into the priesthood.
Richard Shannon, Michael Kelly and Dan An Nguyen are among 11 trainee priests to be ordained in Ireland this year.
More than 50 priests from the Dublin diocese joined the men’s families and friends for the ordination ceremony at St Mary’s Pro Cathedral.
In his homily Dr Martin said to the new priests: ” I appeal to you especially to reach out in your ministry to young people, to challenge them to become an active part of the sacramental life of the Church.
"We see very few young people in our churches. We have to ask why so many good, idealistic and generous young people seem to find the motivation for their goodness apparently from sources other than the message of Jesus Christ."
This year sees the highest number of ordinations involving trainee priests from St Patrick’s College, Maynooth for several years.
Monsignor Hugh Connolly, President of St Patrick’s College Maynooth, said it was a source of joy and gratitude to the entire college community.
In 2003, there were nine ordinations, eight the following year; seven in 2005, eight in 2006, and two last year.
There are 68 seminarians studying in Maynooth with 2008 designated Year of Vocation by the Roman Catholic Church.
Additional reporting
PA
