the priest at mass this morning told us a wonderful story , which I thought I'd share. The Dimincian Order in Ireland had a sudden dramitc upsurge in Vocations a while back. In one year alone they got 12 new candidates , a thing unheard of in modern times. Not only that, but I saw the profiles on some of these guys , they were really top quality individuals. Anyway the Domincans were giving a Retreat in St Patrick's Parish and so the priest asked one of the Domincan 's why this sudden tusinami of vocations? Apparently what happened is one of the Dominican Fathers was serving in a Hospice for the dying. He asked the people if any of them would be prepared to offer up their death and sufferings for vocations to his order , which was getting zilch. Four of the dying offered to do so. After their deaths that year 12 young men came forward as candidates!! As far I know their vocations are still soaring. Quite a story.
