On Monday 26 May 2026, we gathered at Our Lady’s Hospice, Harold’s Cross, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Mary Aikenhead Heritage Centre.
It was a wonderful day of joy for us all. Sisters came together from Dublin and the United Kingdom, and there was a real sense of happiness as we greeted one another, shared stories, and reconnected with friends, some of whom we had not seen for some time. The atmosphere was warm and lively, full of conversation and laughter, as we celebrated this special milestone together.
We were especially delighted to welcome those who were involved in the original vision and creation of the Heritage Centre in 2001. Their presence meant a great deal to us and reminded us of the care, faith and dedication that brought this place into being.
A place that holds our story
In her welcome, Congregational Leader Sr Patricia Lenihan reminded us that the Heritage Centre is “much more than a building.” For us, it is a place filled with memory, spirit and story, where the life of Mary Aikenhead continues to speak to us in a very real and personal way.
Sr Patricia spoke of the vision and commitment that established the Centre and of all those who continue to care for it so faithfully. She also reflected on the many thousands of visitors who have come through its doors over the past 25 years, Sisters, staff, families, parish groups, students, and people from across the world, many of whom leave with a sense of having encountered something very special.
She recalled Sr Rosemary McGowan’s words from the early days of the Centre, when she described the house as “breathing life and light.” Sr Rosemary also spoke of the deep awareness that Mary Aikenhead had lived and worked here, writing her letters, meeting Sisters, and guiding the Congregation during the final years of her life. That sense of presence is something we ourselves still feel when we are here.
A keynote that brought Mary Aikenhead to life in a new way
Our keynote address was delivered by historian Professor Diarmaid Ferriter, Chair of Modern Irish History at UCD. He brought fresh and very interesting insights into the life and times of Mary Aikenhead, and it was clear that he had put a great deal of work and thought into his presentation. His reflections helped us to see her life in a wider historical context, while also drawing out the courage, vision and practical wisdom that shaped her response to the needs of her time.
He also began in a very personal way, even singing at the start of his address, which immediately created a warmth in the room and set the tone for what followed. From there, he guided us through a rich and thoughtful reflection on Irish history and the place of religious women within it.
What stayed with us most was how he helped us to see Mary Aikenhead not only as a figure of history, but as someone deeply rooted in the realities of her time, responding with faith, intelligence and determination to the needs she encountered. He spoke of the importance of recognising the complexity of history, and of the significant contribution of women religious to healthcare, education and social care in Ireland.
For us, it was very affirming and deeply moving. It gave us a renewed appreciation of our foundress and of the legacy we are part of. It also left many of us with a sense of pride in our Congregation and in the work that has flowed from her vision.
We were also treated to a beautiful musical performance from harpist Cormac de Barra, which added greatly to the atmosphere of the day and gave us moments to pause and simply enjoy being together.
A living legacy among us
As we mark 25 years, we do so with deep gratitude, for those who had the vision to create the Mary Aikenhead Heritage Centre, for those who continue to care for it, and for all who welcome visitors so warmly.
Most of all, we give thanks for Mary Aikenhead herself. Her spirit continues to inspire us, not only in this place but in our mission and in the life of our Congregation today.
The Heritage Centre remains for us a place of belonging and connection, a place where our story is held with care, and where we are reminded again of the call to live compassion, courage, and charity in our own time.
