The diocese of Girona has accumulated more than three years without ordaining any new priests. The last case was that of Carles Sánchez, who was appointed priest on October 2, 2022, after eight years as a permanent deacon.
The lack of new ordinations sets the pace in Girona
Currently, the diocese has three seminarians in formation. Lluc Juscafresa and Edwin Oblitas could be ordained deacons this year, while Marçal Privat, a Philosophy graduate, foresees his ordination for 2029. Edwin Oblitas, who had been a monk in Poblet, has adapted his monastic training to the diocesan sphereThe usual process establishes that the first step is ordination as a deacon. For one year, they can celebrate the word, baptisms, weddings, and funerals, but not masses, confessions, or the anointing of the sick. During that period, they receive pastoral training and, if the reports are favorable, they can access ordination as priests
European context and situation in other dioceses
Jordi Font, rector of the Seminary of Girona, points out that ordinations have been declining in Europe for more than 30 years, a trend linked to the social identity crisis and changes driven by the Second Vatican Council. According to Font, the pace in dioceses like Girona's is one ordination every two or three years
"The rhythm in dioceses like ours is that a priest is ordained every two or three years" - Jordi Font, Seminary of Girona
In comparison, the Bishopric of Terrassa has a younger clergy and performs ordinations annually. In Lleida, however, it has been longer than Girona without new priests
Episcopal Vacancy and Process Delays
The see of the Church of Girona was vacant for two years due to a lack of bishop, which caused some processes to be blocked. This situation forced the postponement of some ordinations. Jordi Font recalls that the final decision on the ordination of a person corresponds to the bishop.
"The decision of whether or not a person can be ordained is up to the Bishop" - Jordi Font, Seminary of Girona
Aging of the clergy and call for new vocations
The average age of priests in the diocese of Girona exceeds 70 years. Currently there are 15 permanent deacons in the diocese and the role of the laity with pastoral mission is highlighted. Jordi Font underlines the importance of priests in the ecclesial structure
"The role of priests remains fundamental because a Church without presbyters would not be a Church" - Jordi Font, Seminary of Girona
Font calls for awakening vocations among the laity and permanent deacons, figures that already exist and who, according to him, must assume a greater presence in the pastoral life of the diocese.