North Circular Road, Dublin

Divine Word Missionaries
133 North Circular Road, Dublin 7, Ireland. Tel : 00353 (1) 8386743

“Resilience and Tradition: The SVD Community House”

Nestled amidst the charming row of houses under the watchful eye of the National Trust, the SVD Provincial House stands as a testament to time and tradition. Acquired by the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) in 1993, this historic residence has served various roles within the SVD community, evolving through the years while retaining the essence of its 19th-century roots.

In its earliest incarnation, this venerable house served as a House of Formation for students, fostering the growth and development of future missionaries. For five years, from 1993 to 1998, it was a place of learning and spiritual nurturing, preparing young minds for their divine calling.

In 1998, a new chapter dawned upon the house as it assumed the mantle of the Official Provincial Residence. This transition marked a shift in its purpose, becoming the administrative heart of the SVD in its region. Additionally, it opened its doors as a haven for SVD Missionaries in Transit, providing respite and support to those journeying to and from their missions, adding an international dimension to its history.

Fast forward to 2009, and the Provincial House remains at the core of SVD operations, sustaining its role as the Provincial Residence. Within its walls resides a vibrant community of 5 Confreres, who continue to uphold the legacy and values of the SVD.

The Provincial House itself is a majestic relic of the past, constructed in the year 1898. As one gazes upon its façade, it’s as though a window to the past opens, revealing a time when North Circular Road bustled with double-decked trams, traversing from Phoenix Park to Donnybrook via the bustling City Centre. Despite the march of a century, the road retains a semblance of its former self, a testament to the enduring spirit of history.

Moreover, the location of the Provincial House has historically held significance. Situated on the main road from the city to the Phoenix Park, it has witnessed countless visiting dignitaries passing en route to Aras An Uachtaran, the Presidential residence. Today, standing in the front garden, one may even chance upon the motorcade of the President gliding by—a subtle reminder of the house’s place in Ireland’s rich tapestry.

As the house gazes towards the future, it does so with reverence for its past, its halls echoing with the stories of students, missionaries, and leaders who have walked its corridors. The SVD Provincial House stands not only as a residence but as a living testament to the enduring commitment of the SVD to its mission and the unwavering strength of its faith. In its timeless embrace, the past, present, and future converge, painting a picture of devotion that stretches across generations.

Today, this house has changed function, as the provincial house has moved to 1 Pembroke Road. However, this house remains a cherished hub for the SVD community and a welcoming haven for visitors and SVD missionaries returning home. Here, the flame of devotion continues to burn brightly, illuminating the path for all who pass through its doors.