| Vocations role for IBVM |
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Sr Eileen Linehan, IBVM, has been appointed as the new director of Vocations Ireland.
Born in Fermoy, Sr Eileen has been a member of the Loreto Sisters for the past 33 years. After graduation from UCD and UCC, she taught for 21 years in secondary schools in Youghal, Co Cork and Foxrock, Dublin, before going to Rome in 2001 to work as general secretary for the IBVM Generalate.
"Making religious not just known but understood in an increasingly secular Ireland is no small task!", she said. "The majority of young people today have never been in contact with religious and have no idea of who we are or what we are about. So our starting point in Vocations Ireland today is very different from that of our predecessors." Underlining that religious life in Ireland has had a long history, dating back to the 5th century, Sr Eileen said she believed "God continues to call people to this way of life and that people will continue to value and be inspired by the many prophetic religious men and women who devote themselves wholeheartedly to the spread of gospel values today." Acknowledging that the externals might be changing as well as the context in which today's religious live out their commitment, she said, "But God's call and invitation to this way of life will continue to be heard in the hearts of those courageous enough to embark on this inner journey." She suggested that the future of religious life promotion needed to base itself more in the ‘market places' of the world. Speaking of the importance of having a web presence, Sr Eileen said "I am fortunate to be taking over at a time when we have a well-developed, informative and attractive website in place. This is a necessity and not an option in the area of vocations promotion today." "The website provides invaluable information on the apostolic, missionary and contemplative forms of religious life in Ireland today. It is a good starting point for enquirers who will then need follow-up support and accompaniment in discerning their call in life." She said that one of her first priorities would be to get to know the Vocations Ireland family, executive members, vocation directors and all who work with and support the organization in its endeavours. More controversially, she suggested that while "the Church is especially good at inviting young men to join the priesthood", religious life could sometimes take second place. |
