RTE I will broadcast Sunday Mass live from St Patrick’s College, Thurles, on Sunday, February 5th next, to mark the 175 years of this historical College’s existence.
St. Patrick’s College, Thurles was originally founded in 1837. The College was built on church land, part of which was bought from the estate of a Wexford Protestant Minister. Building began in 1829 under the deceased patronage of the Dr. Patrick Everard, Archbishop of Cashel and Emly, who after his death in 1821 had left £10,000 for the “purpose of founding a college to provide a liberal education for catholic youth destined for the priesthood.”
In 1850 the first Synod of bishops, since the Middle Ages, met here at this college in Thurles, commencing on Thursday, 22nd August of that year. This Synod was used to standardise many practices in the Irish Church which had evolved differently to then practices on the continent.
Over more recent years major refurbishments have taken place supporting lecture theatres, tutorial rooms, the original old library, modern computing facilities, playing pitches in the grounds, as well as to the colleges retreat and conference facilities. As well as the academic course the college runs a number of courses in pastoral care, youth work and also Irish language training courses for adults.
Starting from September last, a teaching degree programme, accredited by the University of Limerick, can be conferred on successful graduates. The degrees to be awarded are; BEd with Irish and Religious Studies and BEd with Business Studies and Religious Studies. Graduates are registered with the Teaching Council of Ireland and will be qualified to teach up to and including Leaving Certificate standard.
Note: This televised programme will be broadcast on RTE I beginning at 11.15 am, on Sunday morning next, so here is one TV programme certainly not to be missed.
The Mass will be lead by the College President, Rev. Fr.Tomas Fogarty, from the College’s magnificent modern Chapel, with students and staff taking part.
Leave a Reply