Farewell Mass for Adoration Sisters
ON an emotional day, Bishop Denis Brennan thanked the Sisters of Perpetual Adoraton for their ‘long and faithful presence’ in Bride Street at a special Mass to mark their departure from the area.
After 144 years, the nuns have moved to the St. John of God convent in Newtown Road, due to declining numbers and the challenge of looking after such a large building in Bride Street.
The convent premises is to developed by Wexford County Council as a Hall of Residence for students attending a Wexford outreach learning centre from Georgia Southern University in the US.
In a demonstration of the genuine affection in which the sisters are held, a large crowd of well-wishers attended the Mass with a queue stretching the length of the church for almost an hour after it ended.
One parishioner described it as ‘heart-breaking’ to see the convent closed and the gentle sisters who dedicated themselves to prayer and contemplation, departed from the area.
Sr. Peter, Reverend Mother of the congregation, read the first reading and sacred music was provided by Bride Street Church Choir, directed by Ger Lawlor who said the sisters ‘ministered in a very quiet and unseen way
to the many who called to the convent over the years, in times of joy and sadness.’
Accompanied by a large group of clergy, Bishop Brennan described it as a ‘bitter sweet day’ as they celebrated the contribution of the sisters who will be missed so much in Bride Street.
In his Homily, the Bishop said the Sisters arrived in 1875 and over the years, they became part of the community, with their door open to all.
‘They came from many places and over the years, they gave their presence and their prayers, their care and their concern, their faith, hope and joy and their witness.’
‘Their commitment and dedication are a matter of record. The people of Wexford and indeed the wider area, know and appreciate what they have done and continue to do.’
He said there is something entirely fitting in the Adoration Sisters and the Sisters of St. John of God, both spiritual daughters of Bishop Furlong, being together, while maintaining their unique and different charisms,’ he said. ‘In this regard, I would like to thank the John of God Sisters for initiating and accommodating the move’.
‘The Sisters may have moved but they are still writing their story, another chapter in their long history. I am confident that they will do it in the way pilgrim people do, in faith, in hope and in love.’
‘They will be missed here in Bride Street, at the door, at the Altar, and in the sacristy.
‘On behalf of the people and priests of the parish, I thank the Sisters for their long and faithful presence and service and I wish them every blessing in their new convent.
‘In conclusion, I would like to remember all the Sisters who were here over the years since 1875. their names have now faded from memory but their presence and their ministry are prayerfully remembered in this farewell Mass.’
‘I finish with the prayer of the late Dag Hammarskhold, former Secretary General of the United Nations ‘for all that has been, thanks; for all that will be, yes’.