Pontifical Irish College, Rome The Pontifical Irish College in Rome has awarded Certificates to 13 Irish students who graduated from their year-long Lay Formation Programme, which includes a certificate in theology from the Gregorian University in Rome. It marks a significant milestone as the college embarks on expanding its mission beyond a seminary to what it calls a synodal model of formation inclusive of seminarians, clergy and laity alike.
Only five years ago the future of the College was in doubt but under the current Rector Fr Paul Finnerty and the lay team, the college has opened up to students from Ireland and from the USA under a collaboration with an American Institute. It is believed the future of the College in Irish hands has been assured by the Irish episcopal conference.
Director of Lay Formation at the College said, “We are delighted to celebrate the graduation of our first full-year group of Irish lay students, who have embraced a rich programme of human, spiritual, pastoral and intellectual formation. It is our hope to further develop this initiative, allowing an increasing number of Irish students to benefit from a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the heart of the Church, shaped by a uniquely Irish historical connection.”
For further information on the programme visit irishcollege.org.