St. Saviour's Priory
St. Saviour’s Church, on Dominick Street in Dublin 1, is home to a community of Dominican friars, priests and student brothers living in the adjoining priory. It serves as both their place of worship and the parish church for the local community. St. Saviour’s is also the National Shrine of St. Martin de Porres, a place of prayer and devotion for people from across Ireland.
In the year 2024, the Irish Dominican Province celebrated 800 years, and the Dominicans have maintained a continuous presence in the city ever since 1224.
The Dominican's
The Dominican Order was founded in the early thirteenth century by St. Dominic de Guzmán. Born in Caleruega, Spain, Dominic first served as a canon at the cathedral in Osma. In this role, he accompanied his bishop, Diego, on a diplomatic mission to northern Europe.
During these travels, Dominic encountered the Albigensian heresy, a movement that was leading many people away from the truth of the Gospel. Moved with deep compassion, he began preaching to bring them back to the faith. Dominic realized that the Church needed preachers who would live in community, embracing poverty, study, and prayer, all directed toward the salvation of souls.
Through his vision—and by the providence of God—the Order of Preachers (the Dominicans) was born. In 1216, Pope Innocent III formally approved the Order. For over 800 years, the Dominicans have continued their mission of proclaiming the Gospel and helping people discover the love of God revealed in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
To learn more about the Dominicans in Ireland, please visit www.dominicans.ie
Vocations
The Dominican vocation is rooted in the mission of preaching for the salvation of souls. This calling is lived not only through preaching but also through pastoral ministry—serving people in the sacraments, in community life, and in the ordinary moments of faith.
If you would like to know more about Vocations and the Irish Dominican Province, click here