Description
Founded in 1795, Maynooth College has a singular place in the history of the Irish Church, and indeed the Catholic Church globally. Its beginning was as a small seminary of thirty students and ten professors, most of whom were fleeing the ravages of the French Revolution. It has been the subject of riots in the streets of London and has played host to kings and popes. Its buildings have created one of the loveliest of university campuses and its chapel is among the highest free- standing structures in Ireland. It expanded rapidly, becoming a Pontifical University, a constituent college of the National University of Ireland and, at one time, the largest seminary in world. It has educated many thousands of students and led the way in many branches of the arts and sciences. But, beyond that, for its large number of alumni, found across all sectors of society internationally, it is a tapestry of rich memories.
This book is a contribution to this rich tapestry. It is a compilation of pen pictures, personal reminiscences and sketches on aspects of the college's life and history. The contributors have all been associated with Maynooth in many different spheres, either as students or staff, and in many cases both. Some have offered images of their time at Maynooth; others, portraits of characters and personalities they encountered there.
These pages are part history, part folk history, part aide-me moire. For some, it will be an introduction to a place they have heard about but never known. For others, it will be a reminder of their time in the college, evoking memories of their own story and the stories of those who journeyed with them. For everyone, it will open up this historic centre of learning and tell the tales of those who walked its Pugin-designed buildings.
About the Author
Salvador Ryan is professor of Ecclesiastical History at St Patrick's College, Maynooth, and has published widely on popular religious culture from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century.
John-Paul Sheridan was educated at Maynooth and in Rome and the USA. He currently lectures in Religious Education and Catechesis, Liturgy and Children and Systematic Theology at Maynooth
Reviews
"500 pages of beautifully printed, copiously - and fascinatingly - illustrated memories that "reflect the colourful palette of human experience" in this major institution."
John Horgan
Dublin Review of Books
"...a book that will be opened frequently in years to come and will probably inspire the reader to stir up and bring forth their own memories and stories of incidents, characters and places long forgotten."
Mattie Long, ACP website, Dec20
-- Mattie Long * Independent Catholic News website *"...a rich volume of essays...beautifully illustrated with pictures...it would make an ideal Christmas gift..."
Reality Nov 20
* Reality magazine *'A wonderful compendium, makes for richly-rewarding reading...full of information and insights and rich in humane sentiments.'
-- Peter Costello * The Irish Catholic *Book Information
ISBN 9781788122634
Author Salvador Ryan
Format Hardback
Page Count 512
Imprint Messenger Publications
Publisher Messenger Publications
