In the heart of the US Diocese of Columbus, a remarkable transformation is taking place under the visionary leadership of Bishop Earl Fernandes. In just two and a half years, the number of candidates for the priesthood has more than doubled, soaring from 17 to 40, breathing new life into the local Catholic community.
By Fr. Paweł Rytel-Andrianik & Wojciech Rogacin
During his episcopal ordination in May 2022, Bishop Earl Fernandes light-heartedly remarked that there were more bishops being ordained that year than priests in the Diocese of Columbus. The congregation chuckled, but his words underscored the urgency of the situation.
Reflecting on those challenging times, Bishop Fernandes shared, “At that juncture, there were no newly ordained priests in the diocese. I was confronted with two key challenges: evangelization and nurturing priestly vocations.”
Visiting Rome at the end of February, the month dedicated to praying for vocations by Pope Francis, Bishop Fernandes continues to champion the cause of vocations in his diocese.
Empowering Vocations
Following his ordination, Bishop Fernandes swiftly implemented a vocational discernment program that yielded remarkable results, elevating the number of seminarians from 17 to 40 in a short span of two and a half years. The fruits of this endeavor were evident as five new priests were ordained last year, making the Sacraments more accessible to the faithful.
Recognizing the power of consistent work and prayer, Bishop Fernandes credited the increase in vocations to the dedicated efforts of the vocation director and initiatives like the Melchizedek Project, which provides regular days of vocational discernment for young individuals.
Bishop Fernandes highlighted the importance of fostering priestly vocations through events like “Andrew Dinners” and vocation weekends at the local seminary, offering young men a firsthand glimpse into the life of a priest.
Nurturing Future Leaders
Emphasizing the significance of priestly formation, Bishop Fernandes stressed the need for well-educated priests to engage in meaningful dialogue with the laity. His diocese has also facilitated opportunities for priests and seminarians to study in Rome, nurturing their love for the universal Church and the Holy Father.
As seminarians and priests from the Diocese of Columbus immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Rome’s spiritual heritage, they not only acquire valuable educational qualifications but also deepen their connection with the global Church.
With a steadfast commitment to fostering vocations and empowering future leaders, Bishop Earl Fernandes continues to inspire and guide his diocese towards a future filled with hope and abundant blessings.
