Rome: Irish College launches new publication

A new publication, The Irish College, Rome, and its World, was launched last night by Mr Dermot Ahern TD, Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, in the Kirby Library of the Pontifical Irish College, Rome. The launch was attended by Cardinal Seán Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, to whom the volume is dedicated, and who was Rector of the Irish College from 1987 to 1993.

Fr Michael Paul Gallagher SJ of the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, will speak at the event on the contemporary role of national colleges in Rome.

The collection of writings, edited by Dr Dáire Keogh and Fr Albert McDonnell, is based upon the archival holdings of the College and presents a fascinating insight into the history of the Irish College and its complex world.

The Irish College was established by the Irish Franciscan, Fr Luke Wadding and the Italian Cardinal, Ludivico Ludovisi. in Rome in 1628 in order to prepare priests for the Irish mission. As part of an elaborate network of such colleges across the continent, the Irish College was always more than a seminary; it served as an 'embassy' and focus of Irish Catholic interests in Rome and remained as such until the 20th century when Ireland established formal diplomatic relations with the Holy See. This collection illustrates that dual role; based upon the archival holdings of the College it presents an insight into the history of the Irish College and its complex world. Contributors include: Colin Barr (Ave Maria U), Peter A. Boyle (NUIM), Charles Burns (independent scholar), Clare Carroll (CUNY), Patrick J. Corish (NUIM), Hugh Fenning, John Hanly, Eileen Kane, Dermot Keogh (UCC), Ambrose Macaulay, Amy McKinney (QUB), Michael Olden, Ciaran O'Carroll (NUIM), Thomas O'Connor (NUIM), Fearghus Ó Fearghail (Mater Dei), Vera Orschel (Irish College Rome) and Rory Sweetman (Otago).

For more information see: www.irishcollege.org