Saint Augustine’s Church, Cork

Saint Augustine, who lived from 354-430 AD in Algeria, encouraged people to live together in communities bound by religion. Different communities which followed the word of the Saint, together came to be known as the Order of St. Augustine by the decree of the Pope in 1256. The Order came to Cork or Corcach, as it was then called, somewhere before the 1300.

After seeing raids, expulsion and opposition over a century and half, the Augustinians, laid the first stone for the Church in 1780 and the construction was completed in 1781. The present day Church was built in 1942.

The shrine in the Church is devoted to Our Lady of Good Counsel as are other institutions that are Augustinian in origin. Every year, a feast day is celebrated on 26th April in honour of Our Lady. Along the altar, are the Mysteries of the Rosary which constitute prayers on love, devotion, peace, etc. through instances in the lives of Jesus and Mary.

Designed by Gabriel Loire, the North and South Windows at this Church must not be missed. Both these windows are masterpieces of Loire’s work. The Northern window depicts the Interior Life of the Church. To the visitor, it speaks of the God as the source as well as the summit of Interior Life. It also gives the message of hope, perseverance and having faith in God.

The Southern window asks us to spread the message of God and share gifts of hope, love and faith with all mankind or Kingdom of God. Each picture in the Church has a story of its own and will be revealed upon your visit.