Catholic studies at third level set for shake-up

New Irish Institute for Catholic Studies to open at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick

Catholic studies at third level are set for a major shake-up with the establishment of a new research institute at one of the country’s leading Catholic colleges.

At Mary Immaculate College (MIC), Limerick, the new Irish Institute for Catholic Studies is a research-orientated institute bringing together scholars, researchers and students to engage in the academic study of Catholicism.

The institute, which is being spearheaded by a number of MIC staff, will also forge links for research with other colleges at national and international level.

The broad aim of the Irish Institute for Catholic Studies is to promote knowledge of Catholicism through publications, conferences and public lectures in an attempt to contribute to a greater understanding of the Faith.

It will offer students the opportunity to complete a structured Ph. D. programme in Catholic studies as part of the postgraduate portfolio of MIC, in addition to existing and new ‘monastic’ postgraduate research programmes.

The institute will also sponsor and develop seminars for researchers interested in exploring a range of Catholic research interests.

Speaking at the inaugural lecture for the institute, Prof. Michael Hayes, president of MIC, said: “The Irish Institute for Catholic Studies offers a new and exciting opportunity for students, professional researchers, scholars and the public at large to engage with one another on themes and topics of mutual interest and concern, and to work together to help explain and understand the diversity of Catholic academic traditions across time and space.

“At Mary Immaculate, we look forward to hosting the Irish Institute for Catholic Studies, but especially making it a welcoming and open forum within which mutual respect and parity of esteem for all bona fide participants and contributors is guaranteed,” he said.

The coordinating group of MIC staff working on the project are Prof. Michael Breen, Dr Liam Chambers, Dr Patricia Kieran and Dr Rik van Nieuwenhove.