A new website has been launched for Allen Hall, the Seminary of the Diocese of Westminster, to encourage more men to enter the Catholic priesthood.

The new website, www.allenhall.org.uk, provides information to men who are considering the Catholic priesthood and helps people understand the process of formation that takes place in the seminary.

It also gives practical information about life at Allen Hall and information to those wishing to use the seminary facilities for conferences or accommodation.

The head of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, said: "I welcome everyone to the new Allen Hall website. I hope that it will help people to appreciate the valuable work of our diocesan seminary, and the rich history of priestly formation in this country.

"I hope especially that it will help those thinking about priesthood to see the beauty of this vocation, and be inspired to find out more about the priesthood and the Diocese."

The website has been designed and developed by Andrew Connick, a third year student at Allen Hall with a background in computing, together with a team of staff and students.

Canon Paul McGinn, Rector of Allen Hall, said: "Our motto is 'Vivamus in spe', which means 'We live in hope', has inspired hundreds of students since our foundation in 1568. Our new website will give people a glimpse inside Allen Hall and allow them to better understand our community."

The contents of the new website include articles, reflections, documents and links to encourage men who are considering a vocation to the priesthood, as well as testimonies and vocational stories of current students.

There is also information about the 400 year history of Allen Hall and a photographic tour of the house, as well as photo galleries of recent events.