San Clemente, Rome

The Irish Dominican friars have a community in Rome, based near the Coliseum and the heart of ancient Rome. Located in the priory of San Clemente (Saint Clement) on the Via Labicana, the brethren have the care of the basilica of San Clemente, a major tourist attraction in the city. The priory and church in which the friars live and work, sit on top of a major historical and archaeological site, which is open to the public all year round.

Because of the proximity of this Irish Dominican community to the Dominican University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (the Angelicum), many of the friars assigned to the community are involved in teaching and research at this university. The church is home to a varied apostolate too, with the brethren providing a liturgical service to the local Italian community – particularly the celebration of the Eucharist and the provision of the sacrament of reconciliation. Many visiting groups of pilgrims and tourists also use the basilica for the celebration of the Eucharist in the diverse rites of the Church and other liturgical celebrations.

The Irish Dominicans in Rome have also extended their hospitality to many friars from other Dominican provinces, giving the San Clemente community an international flavour.

For more information, please visit the website of San Clemente.