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Heart and Soul: Ireland’s Mission in Reverse

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Ghanaian Father Raphael Annan

05/03/2017 GMT

Ireland’s Mission in Reverse

BBC World Service - Heart and Soul, Ireland’s Mission in Reverse

William Crawley meets the African missionary priests re-evangelising Ireland

William Crawley investigates how imported African priests are solving the vocation shortage in an increasingly secular Ireland.

For centuries Ireland sent out missionaries to spread the Catholic word to areas across the globe. Its seminaries were full and so were its churches. However today, things have changed dramatically. Priests are now being brought in from those same places that were once evangelised by the Irish - notably parts of Africa - to make up for the shortage of those willing to take up the role at home. 

Some argue that this is a reasonable and pragmatic solution, while others suggest the differences in culture and theological tradition make it unworkable. What everyone seems to agree upon is that this country, for so long synonymous with Catholicism, is now home to a Church in crisis.  According to one Archbishop, the Church is on the brink, fighting to maintain any resonance or relevance in the twentieth century. He believes it is failing to deal with the repercussions of its own scandals, as well as an increasingly secular and liberal Ireland. 

William Crawley meets two African missionary priests who have come to work in Ireland. He speaks to Irish people of faith and none; to students, shoppers, and the devout leaving Mass. William finds out what they think the place of the Catholic Church should be in this country traditionally known as the home of saints and scholars.

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