"There is no doubt that the greatest cross has been carried by those who have lost loved ones, as they have been unable to observe the rites and rituals associated with mourning," says Bishop Noel Treanor.

Jesus calls on us, his followers, to serve the common good by taking responsibility for each other and to prioritise the most vulnerable in our community ahead of our own individual wants and aspirations – Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

The disease continues to spread in Madagascar because immunisation levels are low.

Historian Catherine Corless, who spent four years researching the running of the Bon Secours home and concluded that 796 children had died there over almost four decades, said the Commission’s finding vindicated her work.

The award was made to Sr Hilary, a member of the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary, for her contribution to health services in Sierra Leone over 42 years.