Rector and Vice-Rector

Reverend Monsignor Mark O'Toole Rector of Allen Hall

Reverend Father Roger Taylor Vice-Rector of Allen Hall

WELCOME FROM THE RECTOR

Welcome to our website! At Allen Hall Seminary men prepare to become priests of the Roman Catholic Church. As you visit these pages you will be aware that we try to make real the words spoken by Pope Benedict XVI when he addressed seminarians at the World Youth Day in Sydney:

“Do not be afraid to say ‘yes’ to Jesus, to find your joy in doing his will, giving yourself completely to the pursuit of holiness, and using all your talents in the service of others!”

Ours is a rich history. Our seminary was founded in 1568 in France and many of our first priests came to England “on mission” and were subsequently martyred for the Catholic faith.

Our house is presently situated on the site of the estate owned by St Thomas More. Both he and our priest martyrs died for their love of the Eucharist and their love of the Holy Father – the Church.

Today, Allen Hall has oversight of 43 men seeking to deepen their appreciation and love of these two truths. They come from a wide range of countries and backgrounds, reflecting the rich variety of Catholic life in Europe today. Our motto is, Vivamus in spe, meaning “We live in hope”. I know that as you visit our website you will be conscious of how true that is.

Mgr Mark O’Toole

PAST RECTORS OF THE SEMINARY

The seminary always had the post of Rector which was usually subsumed into the Presidency. The office of President belonged to St Edmund's from 1793. Cardinal Hume assumed the title on the death of Bishop Butler in 1986.

1968-1977	James O'Brien
1977-1985	John Coghlan
1985-1990	Patrick O'Donoghue
1990-1998	Keith Barltrop
1998-2001	James Overton
2001-2008	Paul McGinn
2008-	Mark O'Toole