Irish College, Douai


The Irish College was a seminary at Douai, France, for Irish Roman Catholics in exile on the continent of Europe to study for the priesthood, modelled on the English College there. Dedicated to St. Patrick, the college was sometimes referred to as St. Patrick's College, Douai.

History

It was founded in 1603 by Fr. Christopher Cusack, with the support of Philip III of Spain, as a Spanish foundation and endowed with 5,000 florins a year by the King of Spain. Fr. Cusack had some years earlier tried to set up a hostel to support Irish candidates for the priesthood in Douai.
The course of studies lasted six years and the students attended lectures at the university of Douai, where its Faculty of Theology took the Irish Seminary of Douai under its wing in 1610.
The college was rebuilt about the middle of the 18th century. The college closed in 1793 and in 1795 the buildings, valued at 60,000 francs, were alienated by the French Government during the war against the United Kingdom in 1793 to 1802, and provided back to Irish priests in 1802.

People associated with the Irish College, Douai

Fr. Cusack served as head of the College, until his death in 1619, he was succeeded by his cousin, Laurence Sedgrave who had been Vice-President, and served until 1633. Luke Bellew from Galway, studied at the college, and became its president. Bishop Edward Dillon served as Superior of the College prior to returning to Ireland and becoming a Bishop. Patrick O’Nachten who turned down the bishopric of Killala, also served as President of the College.

Alumni