The warmth of the sun spills over the beautiful green belt of South Dublin and shines on the stone walls of St. Augustine’s Parish of Good Counsel. Ballyboden, Ireland, is a place where the mountains meet the city. This church, in the heart of this community, stands as a beacon of faith, history, and hope.
St. Augustine’s Parish of Good Counsel is a relatively young parish, established in 1972. This was a time of rapid population growth in South Dublin. It was a necessity to create new parishes to accommodate the increasing number of people in the area. The church was built to serve this burgeoning community and was opened in 1981.
St. Augustine’s Parish of Good Counsel is unique in its connections to the past. The church has a special connection with the Augustinian order, a religious order founded in the 13th century. The order’s presence is a constant reminder of the church’s rich historical and spiritual heritage.
One of the parish’s most treasured objects, the Holy Water font by the church’s main entrance, came from the original Augustinian Abbey in Tullow, County Carlow. This abbey was founded in 1300. The font was kept carefully by members of the Gahan Family and donated to the church by Thomas Kirwan.
The bell in the church’s bell tower is a historic relic. It was originally in the Church of Santa Maria in Posterula, Rome. It has the date 1612 A.D. as well as the name of Pope Paul V, the reign of the pope who commissioned it. This beautiful bell brings a piece of the ancient city of Rome to the heart of Ballyboden.
Today, St. Augustine’s Parish of Good Counsel stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith. It’s a place where people come together to celebrate, grieve, and find solace in the presence of God. The church offers a welcoming space for all, regardless of their background or belief system. Whether you are local or visiting, take a moment to reflect on the history and beauty of this remarkable parish.