Cathal Barry
Fr Eamonn Fitzgibbon “It is the best possible outcome as the church is going to remain open and the parish will continue with a Dominican presence there,” Limerick’s Episcopal Vicar for Pastoral Planning, Fr Eamonn Fitzgibbon said.
The arrival of a group of US-based nuns to Limerick in August has been described as the “best possible outcome to an unfortunate situation” after the Dominican friars in Ireland announced they were withdrawing from the diocese.
Four Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia from Nashville, Tennessee, will take over the Priory and engage in pastoral work at St Saviour’s Church, Glentworth Street, in August.
The move was initiated by an invitation from Bishop Brendan Leahy to the sisters asking the order if they had an interest in setting up in Limerick.
Limerick’s Episcopal Vicar for Pastoral Planning, Fr Eamonn Fitzgibbon, told The Irish Catholic “there is a sense of regret and loss that the Dominicans have had to make this decision but it’s understandable because they are in the same position that so many religious orders are in at the moment in terms of declining numbers and aging profiles”.
Presence
“We would feel that the sisters coming is the best possible outcome for an unfortunate situation. It is the best possible outcome as the church is going to remain open and the parish will continue with a Dominican presence there,” he said.
Sr Anne Catherine of the Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia told this newspaper that the four Limerick-bound nuns were “very excited” about beginning their ministry and “look forward to discovering all aspects of the culture and the rich tradition of faith Ireland has to offer”.
“We want to get to know the wonderful Irish people whose service and example has given so much to our country and to our religious community in particular,” she said.
Mother Ann Marie, the Prioress General of the Order, said the “entire community is very excited about being part of the life of the Church in the Diocese of Limerick”.
“This is a gift and privilege for us.
“The four sisters who will begin serving in the Diocese of Limerick in August of 2016 are eager to learn more about, and come to know personally, a people who have given so much to the Church,” she said.