Sr. Lucy
I come from Co. Offaly. I grew up on a farm near the Blueball and attended Coolanarney National School. I attended the Presentation Convent, Rahan and St Joseph of Cluny Boarding School in Ferbane for my Secondary education. After studying and receiving a Diploma in Theology from St Patrick’s College Maynooth I decided to travel to New York.
I lived in New York for a few years and taught in the Bronx and Queens. When I returned home in 2001 I worked as a teacher in Dublin and Offaly. I also worked as an Educational Welfare Officer visiting schools and homes. I loved the work reaching out to the children who were not in school and trying to integrate them again into school. I worked closely with about 40 schools in the North Inner City and Northside of Dublin.
The Redemptoristines came into my life while I was studying for a Master’s Degree in Religious Education for Primary Schools in Mater Dei Institute of Education in 2004. I responded to the restlessness within me for many years, and entered in May 2006. I am at peace and very happy in my life in the monastery. I work in our new Faith Centre welcoming many school who bring their classes on retreat and many parishes who use the Faith Centre as well. I also look after our Retreat Centre where people come on retreat and join us for prayer. I play the Zither for the Divine Office, write Icons, study for a Degree in Theology to name but a few of the activities.
The life I choose is very balanced. I go most mornings for a 20 minute walk after breakfast. In the afternoon I go on the bike in the grounds and I work-out in the gym in the monastery as well. Life is centred around the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office), the Eucharist, private Prayer, contemplation and work to keep the balance. I had my First Profession on the 21st February, 2009. I love a good book (preferably a murder) and friends give us a DVD now and then. There is time for relaxation and recreation with the community as well.