The IBP in Ireland

Fr. Yannick Vella, I.B.P., the Professor of Moral and Positive Theology of the Institute of the Good Shepherd's Seminary in Courtalain, France, visited Ireland a couple of months ago. It is understood to be the first visit of the member of the Institute to Ireland.

Founded on 8th September, 2006, by a decree of the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei, the Institute has grown rapidly from 5 founding members to more than 30 Priests and a similar number of Seminarians in only 3 years. The Institute has apostolates in several countries.

As well as its Seminary of St. Vincent de Paul in Courtalain, the Institute also has a House of Higher Studies in Rome. The Roman House of Studies is reported to have been described by Cardinal Castrillon Hoyos thus: "This project is one of the greatest of which I know! It extends beyond the interests of Institute of the Good Shepherd, as it is of immense value to all communities, but also for the whole Church."

Just over a week ago, on 28th February, four Seminarians of the Institute received Minor Orders in the Church of San Salvatore in Lauro in Rome at the hands of Archbishop Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.

The Institute has also established a community of sisters known as the Little Sisters of the Good Shepherd based in Arrou, the next village to Courtalain.