Histoy Of Jesuits In Ireland
Histoy Of Jesuits In Ireland
Br. Dominic Collins (right)
From the beginning the
Jesuits put themselves
at the service of the
Pope to go wherever he
might want to send
them. In the century of
the Protestant
Reformation this
inevitably brought them
to work in countries
ruled by Protestant
governments. Many
were arrested and
executed. Blessed
Dominic Collins, a Jesuit
brother was martyred in
Youghal in 1601.
Everywhere the Jesuits
went they set up
schools. In the 17th and 18th centuries they became known as the
"Educators of Europe". In Ireland at this time they were obliged to live
very much in the background, operating schools in side streets and
remote country areas. With the end of the Penal Laws they entered
openly into the area of secondary education. When Father Peter
Kenney SJ, led the Jesuits back to Ireland in 1814 after the
Suppression of the Society (1773 - 1814) his first action was to open a
new school at Clongowes. Later, with the success of their college on St.
Stephen's Green in Dublin, the Jesuits helped to establish the National
University of Ireland. In the 19th century and the early part of the
20th century the Order was associated with training Catholics to take
on a leadership role in the emerging independent Ireland. Promotion of
Justice
True to the spirit of Vatican II and recent congregations or world
gatherings of the whole Society, Irish Jesuits have committed
themselves to the promotion of justice which the Christian faith
demands. Today Jesuits are still involved in education; they serve in
parishes, in counselling, preaching and giving retreats. Jesuits work to
promote faith and justice in the area of industrial relations, in
community development and in providing centres for homeless boys
and ineducation. Across the world the variety of work carried out by
Jesuits is almost limitless. A Great Challenge
The Society of Jesus has always sought to adapt to new needs and to
make use of all the talents of its members. The life is demanding but
offers a wide range of opportunities. It combines high ideals and
spiritual depth with a sense of purpose and the bond of
companionship. It caters for a blend of abilities. Behind every
outstanding scholar or publicist there are ten unassuming men quietly
carrying forward the work of the gospel to God's greater glory.
