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Dublin, Ireland: Church of St. Francis Xavier & tomb of Venerable John Sullivan

 

About Venerable Fr. John Sullivan, S.J.

Born into a wealthy family in 1861, John Sullivan had a protestant father and Catholic mother. As was the custom at that time, he was raised in his father’s faith. He was given classical education and seemed destined to a different future. However, was ordained a Jesuit priest in 1907 and began his priesthood teaching in several boys schools. He was known for his dedication to the sick, often traveling miles on his rickety old bicycle to visit and administer the sacraments. He died in 1933, at age 71. He was buried in Clongowes Wood Cemetery. Once the process of beatification began, his remains were removed and taken to St. Francis Xavier Church.

After his death many people testified to what the felt were miraculous cures after he had prayed over them, although he never attributed anything to himself.

He was declared Venerable in 2014 by Pope Francis and in April 2016, upon approval of miracle attributed to his intercession, it was approved for his beatification to take place some time to be determined here in Dublin.

About St. Francis Xavier Church in Dublin & Tomb of Venerable John Sullivan:

Thus it was one of the first churches to be built in Dublin after Catholic Emancipation, holding its first Mass in 1862. It was moved to its current location when it outgrew the previous one.

Although he was only assigned here for a short time, Father John Sullivan’s tomb in located here in the Sacred Heart Chapel, and is the destination of many pilgrims who come to pray for his intercession. A Mass for Father John Sullivan is held here on the third Saturday of each month. There is also a special memorial Mass to celebrate his life each year on the Saturday closest to the anniversary of his death.

Blessings are given to the faithful using the crucifix on which he took his vow.

Getting there:

Address: Gardiner Street, Dublin 1

Tel:   +353 (01) 836 3411

email: sfx@jesuit.ie

Click here for the official parish website of St. Francis Xavier Church in Dublin

Twitter: @GardinerStreet
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GardinerStreetParish

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