Christians everywhere, from midnight if not before, will reflect on the Sacrifice of the Cross. The words of the Irish poet, Cecil Frances Alexander, on
Calvary
Religious History
Historical Articles related to the history of the churches and religious orders in the Newry area
St Bridget
Saint Bridget was closely associated with our area. Saint Patrick, said to have planted the yew trees that lent their name to our town also trod our paths. And of course Saint Moninna of Killeavy. The latter too we have already extolled. Now follows a pen portrait of the life of our second National Saint, Bridget!
Our Mother of Mercy Home
The former house of Mr Needham Thompson, purchased by Thomas Fegan for the Mercy Nuns, had to be altered and renovated to suit its intended purpose as a home for poor and distressed women and orphans.
Thomas Fegan
It was to minister to the sick, the poor and the needy that the Sisters of Mercy came to Newry in 1855. Many charitable people shared their concern. Foremost among them was the unassuming Thomas Fegan.
Emmanuel Chapel
Charles Russell, Lord Chief Justice of
Elizabeth’s Role
Mother Aquin suffered her first bout of illness in 1864 and really never fully recovered. When well enough, she taught in the school and periods of remission were filled with good and useful works.
Lurgan Mercy House
Sarah was the youngest Russell girl. She became Sister Emmanuel. In 1866 she was sent as
Newry & Rostrevor Convents
At the invitation of Bishop Blake, a group of Mercy Sisters set out from Kinsale on 26 June 1855, with the object of establishing a Convent in Newry. They were led by Sr. Catherine O’Connor and included Newry girl and novice Elizabeth Russell.
Sister Mary Baptist Russell
The nineteenth century Newry family, Russell of Dominic Street in Ballybot, played a prominent role not just here in Newry but in far-off
His eldest sister Mary died suddenly at twelve years of age. His brother Matthew became a Jesuit priest. His three surviving sisters became Sisters of Mercy. We will later refer to each in turn. First, Kate.