Gazing upon the Franciscan Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, one can’t help but feel a sense of history. The Franciscan Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary stands as a testament to faith. It stands on Fairview Strand in Dublin, a beacon for the community it serves. The current church isn’t the first to grace this spot. The original Church of the Visitation began construction in 1847. It opened its doors on January 14, 1855. The dedication followed on October 12, 1856. The Franciscan Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as we know it today, was entrusted to the Conventual Franciscan Order in March 1987. This marked the return of the Greyfriars to Ireland after a 450-year absence following the Reformation. Archbishop Dermot Ryan initiated the process in the early 1980s. Archbishop Kevin McNamara, with his devotion to St. Maximilian Kolbe, continued the effort. The Greyfriars, banished during the Penal times, finally found a home again in Fairview. Two friars, Fr. Patrick Griffin and Fr. Jarlath McDonagh, were appointed as curates. Fr. Patrick later became Parish Priest in 1986. The formal transfer of the parish to the Conventual Franciscans occurred in March 1987. The Franciscan Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is more than just a building. It’s a symbol of resilience and a vibrant hub of faith for the Dublin community. The Franciscan Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary serves as a vital spiritual center. It offers a place for worship, reflection, and community.
Saint John the Evangelist
Whispers of history echo from these stones. This is the site of Saint John the Evangelist. Once a vibrant church