From its closure as a place of seminary formation for priesthood in 2004 until the end of 2015, the College was open to individual guests and groups throughout the year (with the exception of the Christmas and New Year period and for a part of August and early September).
In recent years, many groups have come from parishes across Scotland to enjoy both the recreational and spiritual benefits the College has to offer. In addition, seminarians from the Scots College in Rome have come on retreat as have other groups of seminarians from here in Spain and from the UK and Ireland. In addition, a number of schools have made the College their home for short periods, either to explore Spanish language and culture or to engage in Christian leadership courses organised for senior pupils but held in the reflective surroundings of the College and Salamanca. In addition, the College has welcomed numerous priests, both as individuals and in groups, for courses, retreats and conferences, ensuring that Ongoing Formation of priests remains a high priority for the College.
From January 2016, however, the College resumed its primary role as a place of formation for priesthood in Scotland by way of a six-month period of preparation and study for those about to embark on major seminary formation. To facilitate this, with the exception of family members of students and staff of the College, bookings for groups or other guests will only be available each year through the month of July and from the beginning of September through to the end of October or early November. In addition, there are some times of year when the College is not available due to repair or refurbishment work (normally in November and December) in order to prepare the College for the arrival of new students each January.
Nonetheless, it is hoped that the place the College has in the lives of Scottish priests and parishioners alike should continue and develop. In the months from July to December, therefore, we will happily welcome groups and visitors as before – retreats, pilgrimages, short breaks or conferences. Please get in touch to find out more.
