Studia et Documenta (May 2018)
The Beginnings of Opus Dei in Ireland Leading to the Establishment of its First Corporate Apostolate, Nullamore University Residence, Dublin in 1954
Abstract
A documentary account of some aspects of the beginnings of Opus Dei in Ireland, up to the establishment of its first corporate apostolate, Nullamore University Residence, Dublin. The article covers the years 1947 to 1954 and outlines the life and apostolate of the members of Opus Dei during the period, the first joint annual formational courses between England and Ireland, as well as the first women members (the ‘Miracle of Ireland’). The resolution of some ecclesiastical and parental misapprehensions in Dublin is dealt with in some depth. Initial progress and then disappointment with developments in Cork, as well as preparations for the first English edition of The Way published in Cork, are dealt with. Other topics include apostolic visits to Galway, devotion to Isidoro Zorzano, the search for and setting up of a Residence and the official opening of Nullamore. The primary sources are written accounts of the period, diaries of centres, documents from the archives of the Prelature and some secondary works, which provide historical and cultural contexts.
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