Era of Great Change

GLOBAL: America and its allies, despite great public opposition, fought in Vietnam 1955-75, to prevent the spread of communism into Asia. The US Civil Rights Acts 1964-8 legislated against the segregation of black and white Americans. During this era, the feminist movement continued to seek equal rights for women and gender equality. Anti-apartheid movements across the globe finally led to the repeal of discrimination laws. Nelson Mandela, the inspirational African leader and Nobel Peace Prize Winner (1993), who led his people to overthrow the white supremacist administration, was elected the first black President of South Africa in 1994.    

POLITICAL: In Northern Ireland the violent, sectarian conflict, raged from 1968 until 1998. The mainly Protestant Unionists (loyalists), sought to remain part of the United Kingdom, while the mainly Roman Catholic nationalists (republicans) wanted the six counties to be part of the Republic of Ireland. There were many attempts to resolve the conflict, by individuals and groups, including religious, who worked tirelessly for peace. Finally, in 1998 the Good Friday Agreement was signed by all parties bringing an end to the ‘the troubles’.

SOCIAL: A great number of people emigrated during the 1970s-80s, many of whom never returned to live in Ireland. This had a huge impact on families, communities and the wider economy. During the 1990s more multinational companies were attracted to Ireland due to the highly skilled workforce, economic and political stability and Ireland’s close proximity to European markets. The affluence of the Celtic Tiger era, with increased overseas travel and a more cosmopolitan population, contributed to significant social change.  

CULTURAL: Joining the EU in 1972 and engaging with UN human rights legislation expanded Ireland’s horizon and brought extensive change to all aspects of Irish culture. The introduction of free post-primary education in 1968 led to Sisters establishing and running more schools around the country. In the same year there was a significant move towards ending censorship i.e., of films and literature. The 1970s was a dramatic decade with economic, industrial and social unrest at home and abroad.  There were heated debates on equality and the status of women in Irish life e.g., ending the Marriage Bar. These ground-breaking changes were reflected in drama, music and the arts. 

CATHOLIC CHURCH: Changes arising from Vatican II e.g., allowing Mass to be said in the native language and a review of traditional Church practices, led to division among Catholics. Pope Paul VI’s encyclical ‘Humanae Vitae’ on birth control in 1968, which forbade married couples to use contraceptives, evoked a tsunami of negative criticism. During this period, many Sisters and priests left active ministry, making it a confusing time for Catholics worldwide. The rise of Liberation Theology in Latin America in the late 1960s with its emphasis on embracing Gospel values, particularly respect and love for the vulnerable and the liberation of the oppressed, challenged the status quo in society and the Church. This era uncovered the extent of the horrific abuse of children and others, carried out by some religious and priests. The suffering for victims and survivors was compounded due to the cover up by church authorities. 

RELIGIOUS LIFE: Vatican II stated that all Religious Sisters should revisit the spirit of their foundresses and reclaim their original calling. In response, many Sisters moved out of their large convents and centralised institutional living to live within the local community. They changed from their traditional habits/dress to simpler, more practical clothes, continuing their work as doctors, nurses, educators, social workers, CEOs and innovators. These changes made it easier for Sisters to respond to emerging social concerns like HIV/AIDS, human trafficking and climate change. Many Sisters opted to do overseas mission work, responding to the call from Pope Paul VI in 1965, to embrace all cultures. During this period there was a significant drop in vocations in Ireland, with increases in Africa and Asia.