“Are you seriously telling me that all these Sisters were all evil psychopaths? That is not my experience.”

She will receive the award in recognition of her lifelong contribution and work with and on behalf of “the poor, the homeless and the abused in Ireland.”

Decision to relinquish role should bring closure to row over the proposed ownership and ethos of the new National Maternity Hospital at the campus of St Vincent’s Hospital.

We are refocusing our way of communicating with young people – Vocations Ireland

Latest figures show that 208 families and 363 children became homeless in the first two months of the year.

“The great support we get means we are able to provide a permanent place to call home for up to 650 households who were homeless or at risk."

Archbishop Martin said he was convinced that there are many young women in today’s Ireland who would be attracted to new forms of association with religious life.

Pope Francis declares Irish foundress of Religious Sisters of Charity Venerable.

Catholic education still has a vital place in the Irish educational system - Archbishop.