By Bridget Orr
Scottish Catholic Observer
March 24, 2011
http://www.sconews.co.uk/news/7758/maynooth-seminary-closure-reports/
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The head of Maynooth College has denied reports it is to close, describing them as 'disappointing and damaging.'
"Maynooth is confident of its contribution to the future of the Church in Ireland," Mgr Hugh Connolly said. "There are 72 men studying for the priesthood in Maynooth, making us the largest seminary on these islands and one of the largest in Europe. Media reports today about the possible closure of the seminary are without foundation."
He went on to say that the recent Apostolic Visitation to the seminary 'generated a spirit of hope and enthusiasm which will no doubt play a significant part in the renewal of the Church in our country.'
The seminary, in County Kildare, was established in 1795 and is the largest seminary in Ireland. It currently holds 72 student priests and provides academic formation for those in religious orders and 366 lay students.
The future of the seminary was reported to be in doubt following the recent Apostolic Visitation by Archbishop Timothy M Dolan of New York, amid concerns about failing academic standards and the low number of seminarians and teaching staff at Maynooth.
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