Help the Only Seminary in Uruguay

In Uruguay, the Catholic Church holds a far less influential position in society than in most other countries of Latin America. Only some 30% of the country‘s 3.5 million citizens declare themselves to be Catholic, and religious faith and practice have been largely relegated to the private sphere.

The second smallest country of Latin America, Uruguay has a long history of secularism, a process that began in the middle of the 19th century. To this day, Christian feast days are not officially recognized by the state, so that Christmas Day is officially marked on the calendar as “Family Day,” while Holy Week and Easter have become “Tourism Week”. Not surprisingly, many of the country‘s laws are in direct contradiction to the teachings of the Catholic Church. 

The Catholic Church in Uruguay has just one single seminary for the entire country, in the capital Montevideo, where the seminarians from all nine dioceses of the country receive their formation. Currently there are 16 young men preparing for a life of priestly service. 

Many priests in Uruguay live in deep poverty, and the Church is dependent on outside support. The running of the seminary is a heavy financial burden, but the formation of these future priests is a vitally important task if the Catholic faith in the country is to have a future.

We are proposing to support the seminary with a contribution of $66,800 for the current academic year. 

Can you help support the only seminary in Uruguay? 

We are sure these future priests will remember you in their grateful prayers.

Aid to the Church in Need commits to invest your funds where they will have the greatest impact for the Church that we serve. Funds donated to Aid to the Church in Need’s projects will be used towards the greatest need in our programs to help keep the Faith alive.

Code: 238-02-79