Trinity today signed a memorandum of understanding with the Loyola Institute Trust and Company, with relation to the Loyola Institute.
The Loyola Institute – which has been part of Trinity since 2012 – offers both taught and research postgraduate programmes in theology in the Catholic tradition.
The new memorandum of understanding provides the formal framework within which it will exist in Trinity’s School of Religion, which was recently restructured.
In a press statement, Provost Patrick Prendergast said that he was “delighted to announce this new agreement between Trinity and the Loyola Trustees”.
“The Institute’s position in the School of Religion reflects Trinity’s commitment to teaching theology in the Catholic tradition and to the central importance of diversity of scholarship in religious studies to a leading research university”, he added.
The memorandum of understanding states that the Loyola Trust will continue to support the Loyola Institute’s work. Arrangements to facilitate the work and mission of the institute within a unified school context will also be worked out.
Father Leonard Moloney, SJ Provincial of the Irish Jesuits, said in a press statement: “I believe that this agreement reaffirms and builds on the worthy and ambitious goals of the original.”
“To create an institute to engage in critical reflection and scholarly research on Christian faith, on social justice, and on contemporary culture, drawing on the intellectual resources of the Catholic tradition”, he continued.
“A mission to be pursued in dialogue with other faith traditions and in a mutually enriching collaboration with other disciplines and fields of study within the university.”
According to the Loyola Institute’s website, it “regularly hosts major international speakers who are world leaders in their fields; many of these events are open to the public”.
“We welcome students with a diversity of backgrounds and interests, from Ireland and across the world”, the website continues. “At the Loyola Institute you will find a lively and welcoming community. Our small class sizes offer ample opportunity for questions, vibrant discussion, and the acquisition of dialogue and debating skills.”
The Loyola Trust represents a number of religious orders, including the Augustinians, Carmelites, Columbans, Jesuits, Loreto Sisters, Marists, Oblates and Society of African Missions.
