The importance of Seminar Day
The Church celebrates the Seminary Day on March 19, the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, with the motto “Father, send us shepherds”. In the communities where it is not a public holiday, as in the case of Catalonia, it was celebrated on the nearest Sunday, March 17.
The current situation of seminarians in Catalonia
There are currently 58 seminarians in Catalonia: 18 in the Seminary of Terrassa, 23 in the Conciliar Seminary of Barcelona which brings together Sant Feliu de Llobregat and 17 in the Major Interdiocesan Seminary.
The vigil of prayer for vocations
On the eve of Seminary Day, Saturday 16 March, the Barcelona Seminary hosted the traditional vigil of prayer for vocations, presided over by Cardinal Joan Josep Omella. The celebration included the testimony of Andreu Salinas, deacon and seminarian who will be ordained a priest on Saturday March 23 at the Basilica of Sant Josep Oriol in Barcelona.
The importance of Vocational Pastoral Care
We remember that Cardinal Joan Josep Omella wrote at the beginning of the school year a letter addressed to the diocesan faithful focused on Vocational Pastoral Care. The cardinal highlights some of the archdiocese’s challenges, such as secularization and the great ignorance of God in society.
Priestly ministry and vocation
The archbishop of Barcelona describes the priestly ministry as a “joyful and free” dedication to the service of the Kingdom, and highlights, in particular, the joy of the vocation. Although he recognizes that our times are not easy to make the step of total and unconditional surrender, he remembers that it has not been easy for the generations that have preceded us either.