Celebrating Centuries of Religious Life in Drogheda

On Wednesday evening, October 18th last, a DVD celebrating the centuries long commitment and service of eleven different religious congregations in Drogheda was launched by Cardinal Seán Brady. Titled ‘Life is Changed Not Ended’, the DVD is the culmination of a long project that involved the cooperation of priests, sisters and brothers from the various religious communities that have had such a significant impact on education, community service and work for social justice in the town.

The guests assembled in the Our Lady’s College library were welcomed by Fr. Colm O’Mahony, prior of the Augustinian community who have been in the town since the late thirteenth century. He described the value of a project that seeks to capture the voices and experiences of so many women and men who have dedicated themselves to religious life both in Ireland and internationally, emphasising the need to record for posterity a rich history so aligned with the evolution of Drogheda since medieval times.

Representatives of the different religious communities that included Daughters of Charity, Medical Missionaries of Mary, Presentation Order as well as Christian Brothers and priests from the different parishes were present. They and local history enthusiasts and friends were treated to a brief snapshot of the video which presents an overview of the history of the different communities, as well as personal testimonies of various sisters and priests reflecting on their vocation as well as a life of service in Drogheda and in different settings around the world.

Commenting on the importance of the project, Cardinal Brady paid special tribute to Sr. Agnes Byrne of the Presentation Sisters, without whose passion and determination to see the project come to fruition, the DVD would not have been made. The cardinal went on to point out that the assembled sisters, priests and brothers represent generations of religious whose selfless dedication to a life in God leaves a legacy that continues to have a significant impact in the lives of so many people in the town.

It was fitting that the event was hosted by Our Lady’s College, Greenhills, a school that takes pride in its rich tradition, with a Presentation history in Drogheda that dates back to 1813. Special thanks to Principal Geraldine Mulvihill and the Parents Council for their provision of refreshments that concluded a lovely evening of thanksgiving.

The DVD ‘Life is Changed Not Ended’ is available to purchase from the Augustinian shop, Shop St.