Our mission is clear. We want to send well-formed Catholics into the world to carry out their apostolates, follow their vocations, and rebuild the Church, says Co-founder Edward Barrett-Shortt.

“In the future when weekday and even Sunday Mass is not available, some of you might be formed to lead a period of guided adoration with prayers, praise and sharing of the Word of God.”

Describing prayer as the wellspring of all Christian life, Bishop Kelly said this was the example Jesus showed and priests' whole being and every utterance must be founded on prayer.

TV nun established a network which now broadcasts programmes 24 hours a day to 144 countries around the world and over 200 million homes.

"The IMU has a responsibility to do what we can to keep mission alive in this country as we struggle with the many questions posed to our faith and missionary commitment."

New member of Carlow community was influenced by an Irish missionary priest and the Legion of Mary.