Blessing and Opening of St. Louise’s, Hollyhill, Cork
Sr. Evelyne and Sr. Kathleen were welcomed by the local community on Monday evening. Following evening prayer and meal, a short power-point presentation took place. This gave the background of the Daughters of Charity in Cork City and County for the past one hundred and forty five years. The chronology of the decision to move the two local communities in Cork into one new local community house was presented in photographs.
Sr. Evelyne visited the places of ministry of the Sisters in Cork beginning in St. Vincent’s Church, Sunday’s Well and attending daily Eucharist in St. Mary’s on the Hill Parish Church. Sr. Evelyne and Sr. Kathleen were officially welcomed to Cork City in the City Hall by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork Tony Fitzgerald, who is a neighbour of the Sisters in St. Louise’s.
The Provincial Council shared lunch with Sr. Evelyne and Sr. Kathleen and had a short meeting. The official blessing and opening began at 3.00pm with Sr. Mary Connaire welcoming the guests; Sisters from other local communities and representatives from the various statuary and voluntary organisations with whom the sisters are involved in ministry.
Bishop John Buckley blessed the house during a short prayer service. We prayed a blessing on the house and the Sisters who live there as well as the people we serve, our colleagues and friends and neighbours. Sr. Evelyne unveiled the name plaque of the house as part of the blessing.
Sr. Evelyne then addressed all present and thanked us for being present “for this wonderful blessing”. Sr. Evelyne addressed the Daughters of Charity present and congratulated the community for their work in Cork, “at a significant moment for our Community, a time in which we all are striving to be open to the Spirit’s guidance, your journey is impressive.” Sr. Evelyne then addressed the other guests who were present and thanked them for their encouragement and support for the Sisters of the local community. “You have encouraged us to live our mission, to walk our talk, to discern with you how we can best serve those who most need our presence in this area. You have welcomed us to remain a very vital part of your community in the Parish, in the Neighbourhood, and in the City of Cork.”
The entire day was a wonderful and enjoyable experience for all present. It was a privilege for the local community to have Sr. Evelyne and Sr. Kathleen as part of the local community for a few days. We give thanks for all the blessings that have been received during this visit and for all the blessing that we will receive during the coming months and years of ministry in Cork.