Courtney McGrail
A new initiative which aims to encourage young women to explore whether they might be called to religious life will be launched at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh early next month.
Known as the ‘Rise of the Roses’, the movement aims to support and inspire young women as they explore and discern their vocations in life, according to founder Lisa O’Hare, who told The Irish Catholic: “We want young people to be aware that there is a Catholic culture in this country!”
It will be launched by Primate of All-Ireland Dr Eamon Martin during a Mass to mark consecrated life on February 1, St Brigid’s Day.
Explaining that the movement is about “young people ministering to young people”, Ms O’Hare said its members initially came together as friends through the Michaela Foundation, founded in honour of the late Michaela McAreavey.
The group intends to visit 10 convents around Ireland this summer, with Ms O’Hare explaining that although the group is for all young women, regardless of whether or not they are considering religious life, it should offer young women who are discerning “a bit of protection while they explore without pressure”.
She said the group has had an “incredible response” so far and expects it to “take flesh as it moves”.
“This is the time for us to plant the seeds. The rest is up to God,” she said.
www.riseoftheroses.org/