ACN supporting seminary in the Czech Republic
After decades of communist rule, the Czech Republic is one of Europe’s most secular countries. Catholics make up around one tenth of the population. The seminary of the Archdiocese of Prague has 15 men training for the priesthood. ACN is providing financial support for the formation of the seminarians.
By ACN Staff
The seminary in Prague. (Credit: Aid to the Church in Need)
The Czech Republic is perhaps the most secular country in Europe. According to self-reported census data around 34.5% of people in former communist state have no religion. In addition to this around 45% of the Czech population did not file in the religion section of the census form. This means only 20.5% of the Czech population indicated in the census that they held religious beliefs. Of this 20.5%, just over half are Catholics, with those who believe in God without claiming religious affiliation being the second largest group.
The seminarians in Prague. (Credit: Aid to the Church in Need)
Of those who do live with faith, many of them are young families and are in need of priests. The seminary of the Archdiocese of Prague currently has 15 young men in training for the priesthood from five different dioceses in the Czech Republic. The COVID-19 pandemic has given the opportunity for the seminarians to help spread the faith and serve the Czech people. The Czech Republic is one of Europe’s most effected countries by COVID-19, with nearly one in seven people being infected with the virus. The seminarians have gone on frequent visits to the sick in hospitals and have also have made face masks for people to wear.
In recognition of the work of the seminarians, Cardinal Dominic Duka, the Archbishop of Prague, has awarded the seminary the Gold Medal of Saint Adallbert. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) provides financial support to seminaries all over the world. This year we are giving Prague’s seminary €4,500 to assist in the training of the seminarians. If you would like to help support the formation of seminarians around the world, please consider making a donation to ACN.