There are currently 12 foreign priests available for service in the Diocese of Meath.
Most of these priests are visiting the parishes for the summer months.
They are undertaking further studies, principally in Rome.
Their time in the Diocese of Meath gives them a break from the academic life and provides a welcome support to many priests.
Several of the priests are from Ghana, including Fr Ignatius (Summerhill), Fr Philibert (Ardcath and Curraha), Fr Flavian (Rathkenny and Stamullen), Fr Joseph (Ballivor) and Mgr Daniel who is spending a sabbatical break as chaplain at St Francis Medical Centre, Ballinderry.
Among the priests from Nigeria are Fr Cornelius (Castlepollard) and Fr Samuel (Ashbourne).
They have joined Fr Emmanuel and Fr Timothy, who are assisting for longer terms in Kinnegad and Rathmoylan respectively.
Fr Fernando from Zimbabwe is currently serving at the Cathedral in Mullingar.
Fr Florin from Romania has returned to assist in Tullamore again this year while Fr Peter from Thailand has recently arrived in St Mary’s Parish, Drogheda where he will spend some time improving his language skills and studying theology in Maynooth in preparation for his missionary work in China.