A Joyful Day at the Laetare Vigil in Glencomeragh

Yesterday Sr Ann and Sr Beatrice had the joy of attending the Laetare Vigil at Holy Family Mission, Glencomeragh House — a special day of prayer for women Religious and lay women held on the vigil of Laetare Sunday.

Organised by Sr Mary Sheila Maksim OP, a Dominican Sister of St Cecilia based in Limerick, the gathering brought together women from almost twenty different Religious communities alongside lay women seeking encouragement and fellowship during Lent.

The day began with a warm welcome and the celebration of Holy Mass. Participants were nourished throughout the day by three talks reflecting on the themes of conversion, contemplation, and mission. Sr Beatrice gave the second talk on contemplation, reflecting on the call to draw close to the Lord in prayer and to allow His presence to shape our lives from within.

There was also time for fellowship and conversation, with opportunities for one-to-one meetings between Sisters and participants in the afternoon. It was a joy to meet old friends from Religious life whom we had not seen for some time, as well as to make new friends who are sharing in the mission of the Church in Ireland today.

The afternoon and evening included the Rosary and Vespers, followed by dinner and a beautiful two-hour Eucharistic Adoration with singing and Benediction. The spirit of prayer and joy throughout the day made it a truly memorable gathering.

For all the Sisters who attended, it was a privilege to accompany the women who were present, to listen to their stories, and to share something of the consecrated life. Encounters like these remind us how the Lord continues to draw hearts to Himself and to call people to follow Him in many different ways.

We are deeply grateful to Sr Mary Sheila for organising such a grace-filled day and for being an instrument of the Lord in bringing us all together in rejoicing and accompaniment.