Triple celebration for Carmelite nuns in Wicklow

Everyone welcome to join in celebrations

This is a special year of celebration for the Carmelite nuns in Delgany, Co. Wicklow. In October, the Carmelite family began a year of celebration in honour of the centenary of the birth of St Teresa of Avila, the founder of their order. In November, they began a year to celebrate religious life and on December 7 the Delgany nuns will celebrate the 170th anniversary of the foundation of their monastery.

The Carmelite nuns were invited to Delgany in 1844 by the then parish priest of Kilquade, Fr Fagan. The first group of six nuns arrived from Warrenmount, Dublin, by horse-drawn carriage on December 7 of that
year.

The nuns live a cloistered life, as envisioned by St Teresa of Avila, in prayer, silence, solitude and community. The sisters try to be self supporting by making cards, candles and calendars.

In 2004, a new monastery was built attached to the church. This includes a room, named after St Therese, which is made available to the parish and other faith-related groups.

On December 7 local people will celebrate the 170th anniversary with the nuns by joining them for 9.30am Mass and for refreshments afterwards in the St Therese room.

All are welcome – see www.carmelitemonasterydelgany.ie