Monday, January 30, 2012

Nuns mark 150 years in Ireland

The Bon Secours nuns marked 150 years in Ireland with the launch of an exhibition last Tuesday night which highlights their contribution to Irish society. 

The exhibition, entitled Benediction, was commissioned by the order with help from Cork City Council.

Sr Marie Ryan, who leads the Bon Secours Sisters in Ireland, said while they are widely known for their hospitals, they also carry out important work in communities across the country.

"I hope that this exhibition goes some way to highlighting the breadth of work the Bon Secours Sisters have been part of since first arriving in Ireland 150 years ago."

The exhibition was launched at the Cork Public Museum by congregation leader, Sr Patricia Eck, who travelled from US.

"Since the foundation of the Sisters of Bon Secours, our mission has been to reveal God’s healing love to all we meet," she said.

"Our Sisters in Ireland have been doing so to great effect for 150 years and I’m delighted to be here to recognise and thank the Sisters for their important work."

Among the guests were Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Terry Shannon, and Bishop of Cork and Ross John Buckley.

Mr Shannon said the Sisters have a long-standing tradition in Ireland, while the group’s history in Cork stretches back to 1867.

"This exhibition is a wonderful way to acknowledge the contribution the Sisters have made to Irish society," he said.

The exhibition is open to the public Monday to Friday from 11am-1pm and 2.15pm- 5pm,and on Saturdays from 11am-1pm and 2.15pm-4pm.

Admission is free.