Hundreds of Priests and people involved in priestly formation and Vocations took part in a gathering at the Conciliaziona Auditorium in Rome on June 26th. The title for the Conference was “Joyful Priests: ‘I have called you friends'”, referring to Jesus’ union with his disciples in the Gospel of St. John. This event was organised by the Dicastery for the Clergy as part of the Jubilee of Priests.
Ireland was represented at this international event through the work of Holy Family Mission in Waterford and Lismore Diocese. Maura Murphy, one of the founders of Holy Family Mission, had the honour of addressing those in attendance. She spoke of their experiences in forming young adults and in particular the best practices they had seen bear fruit with young people and vocational accompaniment. Maura had the great honour of meeting Pope Leo and sharing briefly of the mission of Holy Family Mission. His face lit up when she mentioned Vocations to religious life and he said that their mission to young people “is at the heart of the Church”.
The Holy Father spoke to all Priests gathered at this Conference and said that the happiness of a priest reflects his friendship with Christ. ” We are not perfect, but we are Christ’s friends, brothers to one another and sons of his gentle Mother Mary, and that is enough for us.” “This friendship with Christ is the spiritual foundation of ordained ministry, the meaning of our celibacy and the energy of the ecclesial service to which we dedicate our lives,” he said. “It sustains us in times of trial and enables us to renew each day the ‘yes’ uttered at the beginning of our vocation.”
Holy Family Mission is a Catholic residential faith formation programme for young people aged 18-30 years. Throughout their time at HFM the young person receives formation that deepens their daily prayer life , grows their gifts and heart for service and experience regular mission to schools and parishes across Ireland. The young adults live in community for the academic year and the purpose of the programme is to equip them for life long mission and witness. Holy Family Mission has walked with 104 young adults through their residential programme since its establishment in October 2016. On average 1 in 10 alumni have gone on to priestly or religious formation.