The diocese of Columbus in the US has gone from having no priestly ordinations to having almost 30 seminarians in just two years, writes Álex Navajas on ElDebate.com (31 March).
The diocese had no priestly ordinations and the clergy had aged dramatically. Until at least two years ago, when 16 young men entered the seminary to study for the priesthood. A dozen more are expected this year.
The Bishop of Columbus, Monsignor Earl Fernandes, told Vatican News how he changed the situation: prayer, fasting and closeness to young people.
"We have chosen young priests to meet with the boys and girls once a month to help them discern their vocation to the diocesan priesthood or religious life, and to read Brother Brett Brannan's book 'Saving a Thousand Souls: A Guide to Discerning a Vocation to the Diocesan Priesthood'.
Retreats called "Quo vadis?" have also been organised for high school students.
"Young people spend three days in prayer, listening to testimonies, talking with priests who understand …More