Mission: Priests for the Third Millennium

At the beginning of the Third Millennium the Church is conscious of the need to contemplate anew the Person of Jesus Christ, for it is through him that she is able once more to “put out into the deep” (Lk 5:4). Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, came among us as servant, friend and brother. Coming to redeem us, he preached holiness of life to all without distinction in a new commandment:

“Love one another; you must love one another just as I have loved you. It is by your love for one another, that everyone will recognise you as my disciples.” (Jn 13:34-35)

To ensure the future proclamation of the Gospel, Jesus called certain men to follow him more closely:

“He now went up onto the mountain and summoned those he wanted. So they came to him and he appointed twelve; they were to be his companions and to be sent out to proclaim the message.” (Mk 3:13-15)

Jesus invited these chosen followers to be with him. In the years of his public ministry these men accompanied Jesus. They were formed by him, with their strengths and weaknesses, in order to be sent forth as authentic witnesses of the Gospel.

Following the inspiration of Christ, the Church provides seminaries as places where those who believe they are called by him to priesthood and who have been accepted for formation may discern and respond to their vocation. Under the authority and guidance of the Archbishop of Westminster, Allen Hall follows in this tradition. Everything at Allen Hall is evaluated and understood in the light of the Scriptures, the Tradition, and the Magisterium of the Church, and in the service of the Church’s mission. In his years of formation the student, accompanied by seminary staff, is nurtured in his sense of vocation and grows in intimacy with the Lord. Together the staff and students of Allen Hall form a community which, while transient, is foundational for future priestly life and ministry.

Founded in 1568 by William, Cardinal Allen, in Douai, France, to provide for the English mission in time of persecution, the seminary, as heir of the Douai tradition, is inspired by its martyrs. Reflecting the catholicity and diversity of the Church, Allen Hall is an international community preparing for priestly ministry not only those from dioceses in England and Wales but also from other countries. The mission of Allen Hall is above all to prepare priests for this new Millennium, men who are formed in the image of the Person of Jesus Christ, and able to become for others ‘icons’ of ‘Christ the Priest’, ‘Christ the Teacher’ and ‘Christ the Good Shepherd’.