Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1977-1988 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
Context area
Name of creator
Repository
Archival history
De Paul House was purpose-built by the Vincentians as a seminary for Vincentian students. It opened when the seminary in Saint Joseph’s, Temple Road, Blackrock ceased. The Blackrock seminary moved to De Paul House and the Blackrock Vincentian residence moved to Saint Joseph’s, 44 Stillorgan Park, Blackrock.
Matthew Barry CM was on the Provincial Council when he was responsible for purchasing the land and supervising the building of De Paul House. The students living in the seminary would usually attend their philosophy/arts and theology classes for six or seven years at Saint Patrick’s College Maynooth. For one year, usually at the beginning of their time in the seminary, they would spend a year doing their ‘seminaire’, which involved more intensive prayer, studying Saint Vincent de Paul, and becoming accustomed to community life.
In 1988, due to dwindling vocations, the decision was made to sell the property to the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God. Afterwards, the seminary moved from De Paul House to 193 Richmond Road, Fairview, for a short while, before moving to 11 Iona Drive, Glasnevin (1990-circa 2006).