On the 20th November we had a gathering to celebrate 200 years of Religious Sisters of Charity. It was an appropriate day for the celebration because it coincided with the 133rd Anniversary of the Sisters of Charity continued presence and ministry in Seville Place.
We knew that the number joining us for the celebration would be restricted simply because of the amount of space available to us. We invited staff, colleagues, volunteers, sisters, parishioners and friends. Two of the local TD’s joined us along with Council Members and teachers from the local school. All who were invited were associated with us either through community or ministry. Sixty people were present for the occasion.
Our day began in our chapel with welcomes and introductions from Mary Benton RSC followed by a reading from one of Mary Airkenhead’s letters about Seville Place written in 1847 in which she ‘longed to have a foundation in the North Wall’ and she even had plans for the house. It was in 1882, 24 years after her death that Mary Airkenhead’s Dream was realized and the convent was opened.
This set the scene for our gathering. Geraldine Byrne RSC gave a very brief history of RSC in the area; Maureen O’Sullivan TD spoke about the influence of the Sisters of Charity on ‘Women’ particularly through Education; Fionnuala Gill gave us a beautiful harp recital; Paula Garrett led us through a Mindfulness experience; Fr. Robert Colclough gave a blessing to all present and Martina O’Bernie extended a word of thanks to all who participated and to all our guests. We then enjoyed delicious food and refreshments. (Photos: Maureen O’Sullivan TD, Fionnuala Gill harpist & Paula Garrett Counsellor)
We have marked another milestone on our journey. ‘What we are to be in the future has not yet been revealed’ 1Jn 3:2. We look back with gratitude for the many blessings received and we move forward in hope believing the together we can make a difference.
