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Meet the men who just became Catholic priests in Virginia
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Twelve newly ordained priests walk past pews of family, friends and community members, after their ordination Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More in Arlington, Va., on Saturday, June 7, 2025. - photo by AP Photo/Jessie Wardarski
ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — At a time when the U.S. Catholic Church is grappling with a severe shortage of priests, the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, recently ordained 12 new priests — its second-largest class ever — in a joyful Mass at its cathedral. Ahead of the ceremony, The Associated Press spent time with the men, who explained what drove them to choose a life of celibacy, obedience and devotion. Here are four of their stories.