Celebrating 150 Years of Marist Sisters in Ireland

List News

16/07/2023 - Ireland

Celebrating 150 years of Marist Sisters in Ireland

After all the preparations, 2^nd July had arrived.

It was a significant day for all those who joined with the Marist Sisters to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of the arrival of our first Marist Sisters in Carrick–on-Shannon.

Bishop Paul Connell, assisted by local and visiting clergy, led us in celebrating a beautiful Liturgy accompanied by an outstanding choir. Bishop Paul spoke on the theme of Christian hospitality.

He paid tribute to the hospitality to the people of Carrick-on-Shannon who welcomed the Sisters on their arrival 150 years ago and took them to their hearts ever since.

He paid tribute to the Sisters who, down the years exercised an extraordinary ministry of hospitality through their ministries of education, healthcare and pastoral care in this community and in all the places they served.

After Mass a large group of people made their way to the Education Centre which was originally the Sister’s Novitiate. The current staff made us very welcome and refreshments were provided. We mingled with many friends new and old sharing anecdotes and memories.

A team led by Sisters Elizabeth Gilmartin and Georgina Crawley produced a commemorative book for the occasion.

It was launched by Eileen, daughter of Jim McDermott, our farm steward of old.

Sr. Sylvette Mané expressed her joy in

celebrating this event with us. She gave thanks to God for his constant benevolence over the years and through the generations of Marist Sisters, lay people, staff and friends.

She marvelled at what the Irish Sisters have been able to contribute to the history of Ireland through education, health, parish ministry, social and justice ministry. She also remarked on the contribution the Unit of Ireland had made to the missionary life of the Congregation.

Sr. Teri O’Brien described in detail, how and where the sisters were distributed in ministries around the world, highlighting the poverty and hardships of many Marist foundations in different countries. The dedication and heroism of the initial pioneers was very evident.

Finally Sr. Miriam McManus addressed the group. After sharing part of her Marist journey she invited members of the group to share their own experience. It was edifying to hear their memories of our Sisters past and present in our various ministries. Sr. Miriam expressed her appreciation and gratitude to the many people who were involved in organising this event.

We ended this wonderful celebration with a meal, cutting of the 150^th celebration cake and of course a few songs and dances!