The Religious Sisters of Charity intend to sell their Stella Maris Retreat Centre in Howth to support the charitable work the Congregation does in Ireland and its missionary work abroad. Funds generated from the sale will be used by the Sisters in their continuing work with people who are affected by human trafficking, in their efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change on poor communities and in the promotion of education.
“Stella Maris Retreat Centre has been our home and a retreat centre where we have welcomed thousands of people for more than a hundred and twenty five years. Due to the inability of our ageing Congregation to continue our retreat work, a decline in numbers attending and the need to spend a great deal of money to modernise what is a Victorian 19th century building, we have decided to sell and use the proceeds of the sale to go towards some of the charitable work our Congregation carries out at home and abroad”, says Sr Mary Christian, Superior General, Religious Sisters of Charity.
“We are sorry to be closing this very special place but are glad that the sale will mean our Sisters in Ireland and abroad will be able to continue and expand the worthwhile work they are doing. Our Sisters are involved in a wide range of support services in their local communities including caring for those who are sick and those nearing the end of life. Our Sisters are active in education with both children and adults, as well as focusing on helping those who are homeless. This sale will enable us to continue that important work whilst also supporting the care of our sick and elderly Sisters.”
The Religious Sisters of Charity have 330 Sisters, the majority of whom are in their seventies or older. The Congregation has Sisters in Ireland, England, Scotland, California and Malawi; as well as in Zambia and Nigeria, where there are new sisters becoming part of the Congregation each year. The Sisters will continue to carry on working with marginalised and vulnerable people as well as providing a range of services in healthcare, education and social-pastoral work.
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