Foundation of the Sisters of Mercy, Tullamore, Co Offaly in 1836

A wealthy charitable lady, named Miss Elizabeth Pentheny, of Dublin, came to Tullamore about the year 1824, in order to live in retirement and to devote herself to works of charity. She invited the Sisters of Charity into the town, with the approval of the Parish Priest and was willing to give her house and grounds in Store Street over to them. However, this wish was not realized and Miss Pentheny decided to associate some young persons who might assist her, in instructing the youth of the area in the principles of religion and in working and comforting the dying poor.

Miss Pentheny’s health failed and she died on September 7th, 1835, having bequeathed her property for a convent. Her vision was realised when Fr. O’Rafferty, Parish Priest of Tullamore applied to the Sisters of Mercy, Baggot Street where he was graciously received by the Foundress, Catherine McAuley. Without hesitation she accepted the prospect of a poor foundation, saying that it was akin to the poverty of Bethlehem, and this she desired for her first foundation. She was encouraged in her decision by Very Rev. Redmond O’Hanlon, Provincial of the Carmelites. He had been a friend of Miss Pentheny’s and he decided to accompany the Sisters to Tullamore.

No time was lost in following out the wishes of Miss Pentheny. Arrangements were soon in progress for the coming of the Sisters of Mercy to Tullamore on 21st April, 1836.

Miss Pentheny is buried near the Church in Durrow cemetery. For many years the Sisters in Tullamore have taken care of her burial place. The Sisters gathered around her tomb on the eve of 21st April, 2011 where they had a short meaningful liturgy to remember her and to give thanks.

L-R: Srs Annunciata Dillon, Ita Deegan, Nuala Conway, Eucharia Hickey, Mary Geraghty, Gerard Murphy, Damien Cribben, Kathleen Daly and Mildred Lynam at the Tomb of Miss Pentheny

Holy Thursday 2011 was very special in the Convent of Mercy when the community assembled in the convent garden on a glorious April day. It was a great joy for all the Sisters as the entire community of thirty one members were present for a group photograph. What a delight to have the two Sisters from the nursing homes present for the occasion!

Following the taking of the group photograph, the Sisters gathered in the dining room for the surprise visit of Mr. Stephen McNeill, Chairperson of the Offaly Historical Society. The sole purpose of his visit was to pay tribute to the immense contribution that the Sisters gave to the town of Tullamore over the past 175 years. He stressed that while there are now no Sisters in the traditional apostolates of nursing and teaching, their presence and sharing of their variety of gifts is still of profound importance.

Since he was the surprise visitor to the convent he was invited to join the community for a Passover Meal. This he graciously accepted and took his seat at the place reserved for the unexpected visitor.

The ritual of the Passover Meal commenced with a brief introduction on the significance of what was about to take place. The ambiance was very impressive. A symbolic centrepiece contained flowers, good wish cards, items from the Holy Land and a bowl of remembrance inscribed with the dates 1836 – 2011.

The Bowl of Remembrance

Every Sister participated in the ritual and found it inspirational and meaningful. It was a privilege to be present and to capture the happy atmosphere as the Sisters enjoyed a delicious meal of lamb, wines, desserts, coffee etc. in the dining room.

The Community of St. Joseph’s Convent of Mercy

Next year in Jerusalem!

This is but the beginning of celebrations for the 175th anniversary. While they treasured today the Sisters are looking forward to welcoming past members of the community for a different kind of celebration on 14th May. As we all know, celebrations of this kind are never confined to one day or two!!

Indeed on Saturday 14th May, 2011,the Sisters welcomed back all those Sisters who had lived and ministered in Tullamore to a celebratory prayer ritual, followed by a meal in the dining room.

What a joyful occasion it was when all met together to share memories and laughter!

A DVD of all the Celebrations is available.

Mildred Lynam rsm & Cecilia Cadogan rsm
Northern Province