“Within a priest’s family there should be no competition, but rather a shared ministry to Christ, never forgetting that both of you are one in Christ and that you must have the mind of Christ,” Bishop Nectarie of Ireland and Iceland urged priests’ wives during the fifth International Gathering of the Saint Nona Group.
The event took place in Dublin, Ireland, from 5 to 7 June and brought together 82 priests’ wives from 12 European countries. Held under the theme “Holy Women: Models of Authentic Life in Christ”, the programme included prayer services, lectures, workshops, discussions and pilgrimages.
Encouragement for Priests’ Wives
The programme began on Saturday with a Te Deum service officiated by His Grace Bishop Nectarie, who highlighted the role of holy women in the life of the Church and spoke about the responsibility and beauty of the vocation of a priest’s wife.
“The life of a priest and his family is unique—unique in its challenges, but also in its beauty. Unique in its self-sacrifice and offering before God and, I am convinced, unique in its reward and crown,” His Grace said.
“Make your homes places of prayer. Sacrifice yourselves, in season and out of season, but do not forget yourselves,” the bishop added.
A Model for Priestly Families Today
Following the opening session, participants attended a lecture delivered by Fr Daniel Benga and his wife, Cristina Benga.
Fr Daniel spoke about the meaning of holiness and presented the family of Saint Montanus and Saint Maxima as a model for contemporary priestly families. The recently canonised Romanian women saints were also highlighted during the session.
Cristina Benga’s presentation addressed topics such as managing emotions, relationships and the everyday challenges faced by priests’ families.
The programme continued with thematic workshops and discussion sessions on the challenges and opportunities faced by priests’ wives in contemporary society.
Next Meeting to Be Held in France
On the Sunday of All Saints, participants attended the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Bishop Nectarie at the Parish of the Descent of the Holy Spirit and Saint Colman in Kildare. At the conclusion of the event, the International Saint Nona Group’s icon was formally handed over to representatives of the priests’ wives from France, who will host the sixth edition of the gathering in 2027.
The final part of the programme included a pilgrimage to Kildare, one of Ireland’s most important spiritual centres and the resting place of the relics of Saint Brigid.
Photo: Facebook / Diocese of Ireland and Iceland
