Dromantine Seminary officially opened its doors 100 years ago today – on the 29th of September 1926. Forty- seven seminarians transferred from the SMA seminary in Cork, then located in what is now the headquarters of the Society of African Missions in Blackrock Road. The first, in the series of photographs below, shows the students and staff at that time.
For the next forty-seven years, up until 1972, Dromantine prepared generations of men for missionary priesthood. During its years as a major seminary, 587 students were ordained, many of whom were subsequently sent to serve in countries including Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia, Liberia, Kenya, South African and Tanzania.
The contribution of Missionaries trained in Dromantine to the Church and to education and development in Africa has been enormous. On the 19th and 20th of September Celebrations to mark this fact and the part that Dromantine played in making this possible took place. Below are some photographs taken at these events. You may click on the photos to enlarge.
To view a video about Dromantine Click HERE
September 1926 – Students and Staff. Flanking Bishop Edward Mulhern are Fr William Butler SMA, first Superior of Dromantine and Fr Maurice Slattery SMA, Provincial Superior. Below, scenes from student life in Dromantine.
Mass in Newry Cathedral – 18 September, Fr Michael McCabe preached the Homily on Dromantine’s 100 years.Newry Cathedral, 19 September – Mass Celebrants and friendsDromantine Chapel, September 20 – Mass for supporters and friends of the SMA. Below SMA Celebrants at the Mass.
Dromantine Retreat and Conference Centre 2026 – a place of welcome, beauty, tranquility and prayer
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