About

About

The Dominican Order first came to Limerick in 1227 and has served at various locations in the city centre since that time. The present church was built in 1816 and became a parish of the Diocese of Limerick in 1973. In 2016, Bishop Brendan Leahy invited the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia from Nashville, Tennessee to take on the administration of the parish, so that the presence of Dominicans in the diocese could continue. Our parish is a member of a three-parish team with St. Joseph’s and Our Lady of Lourdes. Diocesan priests celebrate our parish Mass each day at 1pm, with Dominican Friars celebrating the parish Mass on special occasions.

Our Lady of Limerick

During times of persecution, members of the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary were gathered for a private Mass on the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary in October. They were caught, tried, and martyred. As an act of reparation, the faithfully Catholic nephew of the judge presented Father Terence Albert O’Brien, OP with the statue of Our Lady of Limerick and the Sarsfield chalice in the year 1640. The Dominicans and the people of Limerick have entrusted themselves to the care of Our Lady of Limerick ever since.

Prayer to Our Lady of Limerick

Most loving Lady of Limerick, my Mother and my Queen, I thank thee from my heart for the many blessings and consolations thou hast bestowed upon me. I love thee with all the fervour of my soul and promise to serve thee always and to make thee loved by all. I place my entire life with its many cares and anxieties in the tender arms of thy maternal love, knowing that thou wilt always guide and protect me. Inflame my heart with true love of Jesus Christ so that I may ever accomplish His Holy Will. I pray thee, thou Mother of Mercy, to safeguard, as thy special heritage, thy faithful people of Limerick. Thou wert given to us in our hour of suffering to inspire and encourage us: do not leave us until thou seest us safe in Heaven, there to bless thee and sing thy mercies for all eternity. Amen.

Blessed Terence Albert O’Brien

Blessed Terence Albert O’Brien was born in Limerick in the year 1600. He entered the Dominican Order and served in Limerick. After the martyrdom of members of the Dominican Confraternity of the Holy Rosary, it was Father Terence Albert O’Brien who received the gift of the statue of Our Lady of Limerick, given in reparation for the martyrdoms. In 1647, he was consecrated as Bishop of Emly and in 1651 he was imprisoned in Limerick and then martyred. In his last words, he encouraged the faithful—a good shepherd and a preacher to the end.

On the left of the sanctuary in our church is a painting depicting the martyr and to the right of the sanctuary is the Blessed Terence Albert O’Brien side chapel, surrounded by stained glass windows depicting his life, and most prominently the image of the Bishop in chains during his imprisonment.

Priests and Religious who serve at St. Saviour’s Dominican Church

Father John Walsh
Father Liam Enright
Father Oliver Plunkett
Canon Donough O’Malley

From Left to Right
Sister Caitríona Kavanagh, OP - Parish Administrator
Sister Mary Emily Knapp, OP
Sister Mary Magdalene Soileau, OP
Sister Mary Sheila Maksim, OP