Before you stands a testament to faith. This is the story of the Oblate Fathers in Dublin. It is a story rooted in community and devotion. The Oblates’ journey began in 1854. Irish bishops invited Eugene de Mazenod, the founder, to establish a mission in Ireland.
Oblate Father Robert Cooke arrived in Dublin. He met with Archbishop Cullen. The Archbishop asked him to consider the spiritual needs of Kilmainham’s people. In 1856, the Oblates arrived in Inchicore. They bought a farm near the Railway Works. Workers helped build a small wooden church. Eugene de Mazenod celebrated Mass there in 1857. This church served the community until 1876. That was when work began on the present church.
Some Oblate land was sold to Dublin Corporation. It was on the condition that it would provide housing for local people. The proceeds helped fund the new church. The new church opened in 1878. But, it was not fully completed due to lack of funds. Consecration happened in 1903. The towers and transepts were completed in 1930. Padraig Pearse’s father made the high altar.
The Oblate presence extended to education. Scoil Mhuire gan Smal opened in 1857. It was in some farm buildings. Oblate Brothers taught there. Plans for a new school emerged in 1864. Civic leaders and clerics collaborated. An Oblate superior acted as manager. This school served for 70 years. The existing co-educational school opened in 1939. It caters to about 260 pupils. These pupils range from infants to sixth class.
A social hall became a community hub. It was built on the site of the original wooden church. This became a center for entertainment and social activity in Inchicore. It was redeveloped in 1997.
The Oblate House of Retreat offered retreats to lay people by 1863. It also served as a seminary at times. The house became an asylum for clerics. These clerics were fleeing religious persecution in France.
The Crib has a fascinating story. It was built in 1856. Large wax figures came from Paris. The original site was in the old wooden church. Fire destroyed that church in 1948. Local people helped restore the crib. It now resides at the back of the Grotto.
Father William Ring led a pilgrimage to Lourdes in 1883. This inspired the Grotto’s establishment in Inchicore. The first torch lit procession occurred in 1927. Three thousand people attended. Work on the present Grotto began the following year. It was an exact replica of the Lourdes grotto. Men from the Railway Works helped again. The work finished in 1930. Archbishop Byrne of Dublin blessed the Grotto later that year. One hundred thousand people attended. A Rosary Square was added. Plans are underway to refurbish the Grotto. They also plan to build a new Rosary Way.
A sportshall provides recreational opportunities. It opened in 2002. It replaced one destroyed by fire in 1997. The original hall was built in 1971. It encouraged young women to participate in social activities. The sportshall houses FAS offices. It also houses LINKS and Turas programs. These offer support to recovering drug addicts.
In 2006, the Oblate mission celebrated its 150th anniversary. The whole neighborhood joined in. Events were religious and social. The President of Ireland and the Mayor of Dublin participated. The Archbishop of Dublin and the Superior General Wilhelm Steckling also attended.
Today, the Oblate community embraces many roles. There is a provincial leadership team. There is also a parish team. You’ll find the MAMI team and the Mission Development Office. There’s a small group of preachers. Finally, a number of retired Oblates reside here. The Provincial Archives and Oblate Missionary Record Office are also housed here.
The Oblate property includes many key places. There’s the church and the community house. You’ll also find the primary school. Arus Mhuire is a reception hall. A large Grotto and Crib stand here. There is also a basketball hall with social service offices. A cemetery, parkland and car park areas complete the grounds. The Oblate Fathers in Dublin have deep roots. They maintain a strong bond with the local community to this day.