Irish Bishops launch Vocations Monstrance blessed by Pope Leo Pope Leo XIV during his weekly general audience in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the
Vatican January 21, 2026. Photo: CNS /Lola Gomez

Irish bishops formally launched a new monstrance at a special prayer gathering at the International Eucharistic and Marian shrine in Knock, Co. Mayo. Following the recent launch, Bishop Phonsie Cullinan of Waterford and Lismore, who chairs the Bishops’ Council for Vocations, highlighted the central role of prayer in nurturing vocations: “The Holy Father Pope Leo XIV blessed our new monstrance in the Vatican last November, which has been designated as a Vocations Monstrance. The bishops’ launch today marks an important moment in the Church’s ongoing commitment to promote and foster vocations to the priesthood and to religious life…Our initiative aims to encourage prayer for vocations and to deepen young people’s awareness of God’s call in their lives…The monstrance will visit dioceses, parishes, schools, and seminaries throughout the country, providing opportunities for Eucharistic Adoration and focused prayer for vocations.”

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