The BBC were at Allen Hall recently, not with a film crew, but to take some still photographs for a slideshow about seminary life on their website. You can take a look here.
A view from the garden - one of our photos, not from the BBC
If you have dipped into this blog now and then, and wondered what Allen Hall looks like on the inside, the slideshow is certainly worth looking at. There are some stunning photographs. It’s amazing how a decent camera and a photographer with a good eye can make the most ordinary corner seem interesting or alluring. And it’s equally amazing how many seminarians were engrossed in their studies in the library when the photographer happened to be coming by…
There are also three interviews strung together to make a short commentary over the slides. The Rector of Allen Hall Mgr Mark O’Toole, first year seminarian Damian Ryan and fifth year seminarian Martin Plunkett talk about the challenges of becoming a priest today.
What a fascinating insite into the life of the seminary! In some ways what I saw and heard came as no shock, but in other ways, there were complete surprises. The age ranges of the students was, for me, the best thing. It seems the Church is able to harness the life experiences of older men to be used in the Priesthood.
Brilliant!
A great blog. It is always a blessing to get a sneaky peek inside forbidden places. It all looks very warm and relaxed. The interviews were lovely and would be great for encouraging vocations and the photography was very special. I even spied 2 women. One embellished in Gold and one Stone!
I trust that the embellished gold and stones input is invaluable! X