News

Seminarians from Southwark took part in an international gathering of around 4,000 people in Rome as part of the Jubilee year.

The Jubilee for Seminarians, which took place from 23 – 25 June, provided an opportunity for men in formation from all over the world to meet up and share experiences in this special year for the Church. The gathering included a morning of catechises with the Holy Father in St Peter’s Basilica where Pope Leo welcomed seminarians and formators as “witnesses of hope”.

He thanked those present for saying ‘Yes’ to God’s call and getting involved in the “fascinating adventure of the priestly vocation”. There was also the opportunity to hear from the Holy Father in the more intimate setting of one of the conference centres near the Vatican, organised by the Dicastery for the Clergy. Pope Leo stressed to priests that they were not alone and encouraged them to develop strong fraternal relations with their brother priests as well as seeking spiritual direction.

Eight seminarians from Southwark took part in the gathering, including Theodore de Menezes, Liam Murphy, and James Somerville-Meikle who are due to continue their formation at the Venerable English College in Rome this September. Oliver Abasolo is returning from Rome this summer to continue his formation at Allen Hall in London. Please keep them, and all of our seminarians, in your prayers.

The delegation from Southwark was led by Fr Paul Kyne, Vocations Director in the Archdiocese of Southwark and Parish Priest of Our Lady Help of Christians. More information about vocations within the Archdiocese can be found here or by emailing vocations@rcaos.org.uk.

James Somerville-Meikle, Seminarian for the Archdiocese of Southwark, said:

“It was a great joy to be in Rome for this gathering. Looking around at the packed churches, basilicas, and conference centres that week was a great reminder of the vibrancy and diversity in the Church. The Holy Spirit continues to call men from all walks of life and parts of the world to serve the Lord as priests, including in our Archdiocese.

Those who braved the heat and the crowds will never forget the experience, especially of our first encounter with Pope Leo and his closeness to us in those days. Thank you to everyone in the Archdiocese who made the pilgrimage possible.”