Local nuns celebrate 100 years of Divine Masters community
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Local nuns based in Athlone marked the centenary of foundation of the Pious Disciples of the Divine Master on Monday, October 28.
The Pious Disciples of the Divine Masters Sisters is a family of Pauline nuns and priests originally founded in Italy in 1924 by Blessed James Alberione.
A special mass was held in Ss Peter's & Paul's church on Monday, followed by a celebration in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel to mark the joyful occasion.
Mass was officiated by celebrant Bishop of Elphin Kevin Doran, who was joined by Fr John Deignan, Parish Priest of St Peter and Paul’s, Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne, Bishop of Galway and Clonfert Michael Duignan, Bishop Emeritus John Kirby, and priests, and Deacon Tony Larkin.
The celebration of the foundation of the Divine Masters involved a dinner in the Shamrock Lodge hotel, and the cutting of a cake, as well as talks by Canon Liam Devine and Sr. Bríd Geraghty.
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Mary Broderick, Angela Byrne and Carmel Connolly. Photo: Paul MolloyImage 2 of 3
Helen Cahill, Mary Butler, Tommy Cahill, Marie Flanagan and Catherine Seery at the celebration of the Disciples of the Divine Master in the Shamrock Lodge last Monday. Photo: Paul MolloyImage 3 of 3
Katie Touhey, Isabella Touhey, Kiara Touhey, Majella Nevin, Jason Nevin, Paddy Breen, Patricia Breen and Glenna Breen, friends of Sr Anne in Boston, at the celebration of the Disciples of the Divine Master in the Shamrock Lodge last Monday. @CMG Caption Info Text:ABOVE RIGHT: Helen Cahill, Mary Butler, Tommy Cahill, Marie Flanagan and Catherine Seery at the celebration of the Disciples of the Divine Master in the Shamrock Lodge last Monday. Photo: Paul Molloy.Sr Kathryn of the Divine Masters centre in Athlone said: "It was a really lovely celebration, and it was very uplifting. It was a beautiful ceremony and we were so happy."
Sr Kathryn and the Sisters Disciples of the Divine Masters extend their thanks to Paddy McCaul and all the staff at the Shamrock Lodge for being so kind and accommodating.
The Sister Disciples of the Divine Masters have been in Ireland since the 1960s. The first Irish Sister of the Divine Master was Athlone native Sr Muriel, who embarked on the boat to Rome in September 1950 to join the delegation.
On the 23rd of July 1965, Disciples of the Divine Master began the foundation of the first Community in Ireland - to work with the Society of St. Paul and to offer Eucharistic Adoration for the Church.
The Athlone delegation, set in Castle Street in the Divine Masters Centre, was founded in December 1969. It is one of two delegations located in Ireland, with the other based in Dublin.