Waterford Bishop 'thankful' for men who have started priesthood studies

A Bishop based in Waterford has expressed his gratitude for the 13 men who have started their priesthood studies. 

Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan says he is "thankful" that these men are joining the priesthood and added that he hopes more follow in their steps. 

13 men have started their studies as seminarians for Irish Catholic dioceses, according to RTÉ. 

These men bring the total number of people studying for priesthood to 77. 

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Last year, the highest number of people to start studying as seminarians in over a decade was recorded, with 21 men putting themselves forward. 

Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, who is also Chair of the Bishops' Council for Vocations, says it is  "really heartening" to welcome them into the church. 

"In recent years, there has been a small but steady number of men beginning their studies for priesthood for Irish dioceses. We need more priests, and we must continue to do what we can to promote priestly vocations in families and in our parishes," he said. 

"We need to pray, but not only to offer a few quick prayers of the faithful, rather to beg the Lord of the Harvest to send us more priests. Then we need to create spaces where young men can explore their vocation in life by first becoming disciples," he added.

Bishop Cullinan says he is optimistic for the future of priesthood in Ireland and he has "no doubt" numbers will grow. 

The 13 men are studying in Dundalk and Armagh.