Lower Merion’s St. Charles Borromeo Seminary is seeing a surge in enrollments of men studying to become Roman Catholic priests, writes Mark Abrams for CBS Philly.

The rise in enrollments is the highest in the last twelve years. According to seminary rector Bishop Timothy Senior, the new fall academic term will see 167 seminarians, 10 percent more than the spring term.

“We’re very excited and not only just the numbers but just extraordinary young men, candidates that really reflect the rich diversity of our region,” said Senior.

He added that Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia nearly two years ago also influenced some of the candidates in their decision to join the seminary.

“It sort of freed them up to speak more openly about their desire to be priests,” said Senior.

Read more about St Charles Borromeo Seminary at CBS Philly by clicking here.

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