Chai Brady
Provincial Sr Sheila Kelleher (in blue) The South West Province of the Presentation Sisters are in the process of donating three acres of valuable land in Cork city to charity.
The site of the Presentation Convent in Turner’s Cross is set to be donated to the Good Shepherd Sisters in Cork who run Edel House, in order to “alleviate the housing crisis”.
Provincial Sr Sheila Kelleher told The Irish Catholic this is but one in numerous asset donations over the years to combat the extreme social issues in Ireland, including homelessness.
Their aim is to further the charitable mission of the order.
In face of the declining number of sisters she said any judgements regarding finances are taken with the “best financial policies and practices” used.
She said: “This is crucial in the light of the dwindling numbers of sisters and the requirement to provide for the care of the sisters into the future and to continue the mission of the congregation.”
Process
The process of the land sale at Turner’s Cross is still at an early stage but it is believed it will be used for housing.
The sisters have consistently donated land and properties over the years to promote social and environmental justice.
Among other donations they gave a convent worth €235,000 to Rathmore Social Action Group in 2016, who have built apartments for the elderly. Five sisters are also living there.
The same year they donated a three-bed bungalow worth €200,000 to the not-for-profit housing association Cluid in Ballyspillane in Killarney. Regarding the environment the South West Presentation Sisters have decided to conserve 20 acres of bog land valued at €42,000 for flora and fauna to flourish.
Employment
Speaking of the future of the order Sr Sheila said: “…We are confident that through the employment of lay people, the work of Nano Nagle will continue into the future, supported by funds from the Presentation Sisters and grants from various agencies.”