By Susan Gately - 31 January, 2015
Br Conor McDonough
A four minute video prepared by a group of young Irish nuns and brothers has clocked up over 5,000 views on YouTube.
Entitled ‘Celebrating the Year of Consecrated Life’, the video is to be officially launched on Monday, 2 February, the 19th World Day of Consecrated Life.
“The reaction to the video has been incredible,” said Brother Conor McDonough, a student brother with the Dominicans, who features in the clip.
“Teachers who’ve shown it in schools are telling us their students are genuinely interested and curious in our way of life. This is a great chance to tell people what we are about.”
Br Conor (28), a native of Salthill, Galway, will be ordained a deacon later this year.
In the video he speaks of his love for the Dominican way of life – living in community, the study and prayer, which are all “springboards for our mission which is preaching.”
Sr Monica Boggan Redemptoristine
Sr Monica Boggan, a young Redemptoristine nun in Drumcondra, Co Dublin, speaks movingly of her work in the monastery making altar breads.
“It is very contemplative work. We’re working, we’re praying for those priests, for the people who receive the host that they’ll be touched in a special way by Jesus.”
The Redemptoristines wear a distinctive red habit which has earned them the nickname, ‘The Red Nuns’.
Brother Kevin Crowley, who is set to receive the Freedom of the City of Dublin for his work at the Capuchin Day Centre, also features in the video.
The 79-year-old Corkman explains his own vocation story.
“Even though I was enjoying life, I still had an unhappiness and this was because the Lord was calling me and I wasn’t answering the call. Being a religious brother means I have plenty of time to give to the people who attend the centre and to listen to their problems and difficulties.”
The Capuchin Day Centre provides up to 800 breakfasts and dinners each day.
Br Kevin Crowley OFM
Sr Louise O’Rourke (35) from Athlone, who is a member of the Disciples of the Divine Master in Stillorgan, tells of how her calling has helped her to achieve personal fullfilment.
“I never thought I could do so many things. He takes those little things you’ve given Him and he multiplies them a hudredfold.”
Sr Louise currently ministers in the Archdiocese of Dublin as a canon lawyer and as the Assistant Vicar for Religious.
Pope Francis declared this year a ‘Year of Consecrated Life’.
The year began on 30 November 2014 and runs until next year’s World Day of Consecrated Life – 2 February 2016.
According to recent Vatican statistics (2012), there are almost one million men and women in religious orders around the world: 705,000 Sisters, 55,000 Brothers, 135,000 priests.
This is in addition to 280,000 priests who are attached to dioceses.
In Ireland, there are almost 10,000 members of religious orders according to 2012 statistics, made up of approximately 7,000 Sisters, 600 Brothers, 1,800 priests.
An additional 2,800 religious priests are attached to dioceses.
‘Celebrating the Year of Consecrated Life’ may be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFRSRsmu1Xw
