The 2026 January Formation Workshop centred on the theme of Encountering the Beauty of Faith: The Arts in Seminary Formation. Over the course of three days, the theme was opened up by Dr Jessie Rogers (Centre for Mission and Ministries) who worked with the seminarians in the Stage of Discipleship on Godly Play; Fr Luke Macnamara OSB (Dean of Theology) on Encountering Christ through Text and Icon; and Fr Paul Murray OP on The Arts, Beauty and Formation: The Role of Literature – Radiant Lives, Radiant Words: Writers, Heroes and Saints of the Eucharist. On Monday 26th January, seminarians in the Stage of Configuration enjoyed a practical cookery course at Meath Cookery School, Lismullin, as well as a visit to the Hill of Tara. Following a highly informative and enjoyable visit to Glasnevin on Thursday 29th January, the Seminary Community had the pleasure of welcoming Professor Paul O”Callaghan (Santa Croce University, Rome) who directed the retreat in preparation for the second semester of the academic year 2025-26, during which the community celebrated the Feast of Ireland’s Secondary Patron, the Abbess St Brigid.
