A New Life For The Star Of The Sea
Eighty-four years ago, 19th August, 1929, the Sisters of Mercy from Sligo arrived in Mullaghmore to take up residence in their new convent home. They looked around and were taken by the beauty of their surroundings… the sea, the beach, the harbour, the mountains; and beyond, the cliffs and headland. These were the constants that would sustain their lives in the ensuing years and continue to inspire us today.
Star of the Sea
The Reverend Mother in Sligo, Mother Agnes, saw the venue as an oasis of possible healing for her Sisters. Illnesses such as T.B. and the Spanish flu stalked the land and Mother Agnes saw hope in this property offered for sale by the local landlord, Colonel Ashley. The site of four three-storey lodges, which had been burned down during the War of Independence was now the vineyard of Mercy.
A view of the Altar in the Chapel is seen above
New life was to rise, phoenix-like, from the burned out ruins, as the Sisters bought the property for £1,400, converting it into a convent with accommodation for 30 Sisters. Later in 1935, a further plot was purchased from the Land Commission, and this supplied vegetables and potatoes for the convent, most recently under the green fingers of James Cawley.
Fountain at the centre of the Peace and Meditation Garden, opened in August, 2010
Out of civil war, burnings and violence, new life had been born. The Sisters of Mercy, founded by Catherine McAuley in 1829, were approaching their hundredth birthday as they formed this fresh shoot in Mullaghmore. Soon the Sisters were walking the narrow roads, visiting the homes, sharing the joys and sorrows of local families. Three Sisters of Mercy, Srs. Peter Doran, de Pazzi O’Connor and Antonio Hunt were Principals of the local primary school from 1929 to the late 1970’s, when the primary school was amalgamated with Cliffoney.
The school, where the Sisters taught, is pictured above
The above photograph is from a recent exhibition, showing some images of Mullaghmore in the past
A new burst of life came to Mullaghmore in the 1970’s as Star of the Sea opened its doors for holidays, retreats and days of renewal, thus providing a haven for laity, religious and clergy, from all over Ireland and beyond. Married couples, teenagers, parish groups, cursillo groups came in their hundreds and left with lighter hearts, renewed hope and deeper faith.
Some of those availing of leisure in Star of the Sea are pictured above
In the eighty-four years during which the Sisters have run Star of the Sea, they have provided, in good times and in difficult times, a house of rest for members of their mercy family, a house of worship for the wider community, a source of comfort and support to local people and education in each successive generation, for over five decades. On a lighter note, Star of the Sea became a useful symbol for the local sailing club!
The healing ministry at Star of the Sea was coming full circle… it was indeed a beacon of light in the darkness for the many who came seeking wholeness.
The above photograph is of Sr. Kathleen Rooney (Director of the Centre) and a visitor from the Northern Province, Gertrude Murphy rsm
Today, Star of the Sea enters a new phase as it is handed over by the Sisters of the Western Province to the Bishop of Elphin for the continuation of the ministry of welcome and hospitality for all who seek peace, quiet and a deeper relationship with God. The sea, the mountains, the harbour form, as always, the backdrop, a potent symbol of God’s surrounding love and care.
The following video clip gives a flavour of this new moment on August 24th. Please ensure that your speakers are turned on – and enjoy!
Bishop Jones of Elphin with our Western Provincial, Sister Caitlin Conneely, for the official handing over of the key of the house
Text: Kathleen Rooney rsm
Photos and Video – Suzanne Ryder rsm
Western Province
