Madrid: The number of seminary students in Spain, which has been on the decline for several years, has seen a notable increase this time. For the first time in years, the total number of seminarians has surpassed one thousand, with 239 new students joining. Among them, 103 are foreign students undergoing priestly formation in Spain. The overall number of seminarians has been rising after several years of decline, currently reaching 1,036 across 69 dioceses and military archdioceses.

This marks an increase from 956 in 2023-2024 and 974 in 2022-2023. Of the 1,036 seminarians, 79% (825) are in diocesan seminaries, while 211 are studying at Redemptoris Mater seminaries. With the addition of seminarians from abroad, the total number for 2024-2025 is projected to be 1,239. There has been a 35% rise in newly enrolled seminarians compared to the previous year.

In addition, the number of seminarians dropping out has decreased, from 106 last year to 86 this year. During the 2023-2024 period, Spain saw the ordination of 85 new priests and 69 deacons. The French Bishops' Conference attributes this revival in seminary enrollment to the revitalization of pastoral, youth, and vocation ministries following the pandemic, along with the influence of the 2023 World Youth Day in Lisbon. However, the bishops emphasize that the main reason for this renewal is God's faithfulness in providing shepherds who truly understand His will.