Join us on Zoom for the third lecture of the new 'Strangers to Citizens' online talk series, delivered by Dr Liam Chambers. From the 1590s onwards, Irish Catholics established dozens of colleges across continental Europe, from Lisbon to Leuven and from Paris to Prague, to facilitate the education and formation of priests and students. This talk examines the foundation of the colleges, their development over the course of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and their closure during the French Revolution. The talk also considers the importance of the colleges: for the continuity and renewal of the Irish Catholic church at home, but also as part of broader migration patterns and as centres of cultural exchange. Ultimately, the colleges demonstrate the rich European history of Irish Catholicism in the early modern period The new Strangers to Citizens online talk series is part of the official Cultural Programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the European Council. The series explores the story of Irish migration to Europe between 1600-1800, examining both the political and cultural context of this period, as well as the fascinating tales of individuals who made the journey from Stranger to Citizen. In keeping with the spirit of the official Cultural Programme for Ireland's Presidency of the European council, we look forward to welcoming attendees to this online talk series from across Ireland, the European Union and beyond. The Strangers to Citizens talk series is inspired by a newly developed travelling banner exhibition of the same title, which is currently touring partner organisations across the country. For more information, click here: Irish Presidency of the EU 2026 | National Library of Ireland

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