Bishop Brendan Leahy invited the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia Congregation, Nashville, Tennessee, to establish a mission in the Diocese of Limerick beginning in August 2016. Friars of the Dominican Order have served in the diocese for almost 800 years, with the first Dominican foundation being made here in 1227, not long after the Order began. Four Dominican sisters are now serving in the city of Limerick in the Dominican parish of St. Saviour’s, which was given to the care of the Order in 1815 and which has been blessed by the presence of friars from the Irish province.
As always, the sisters’ first apostolate is to give witness to the joy of consecrated life through the daily living of their Dominican vocation. Their regular life in community, with its foundation in personal and liturgical prayer, is the basis for their active service of the families of the parish and the diocese. The sisters’ service to the parishioners of St. Saviour’s Dominican Church includes such active works as sacramental preparation, faith formation, bereavement support, and aspects of administration. They are also blessed to have the opportunity to visit the Catholic schools of the Diocese and members of the lay faithful who are engaged in teaching the faith. Besides serving in Limerick, the sisters have been invited to participate in efforts taking place in other areas of Ireland to promote the faith, in accord with the Dominican charism and the spirit of the New Evangelization.