Throughout the last 100 years, the focus of Irish Religious Sisters, underpinned by Gospel Values, was to go where there was the most need. Their initiative and courage continues today as is evident in the pioneering responses and commitment of Sisters and their colleagues to ‘the Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor” (Pope Francis, Laudato Si:49) both in Ireland and overseas.

A voluntary group has developed a photographic exhibition to share the multifaced story of Irish Religious Sisters between 1923-2023, coinciding with the centenary of the Irish State. This is an opportune moment to reflect on the social history of the Sisters’ journey throughout the past 100 years.

Working alongside committed colleagues, Sisters built schools, hospitals and social services, many of which they staffed, in response to social change and urgent need. The exhibition was officially launched by Caoimhe de Barra, CEO of Trocaire on October 3rd 2023 in Iveagh House, Department of Foreign Affairs hosted by Minister Sean Fleming, Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs with special responsibility for International Development and Diaspora. Since then, the exhibition has travelled around Ireland and in Rome, Italy. It was hosted at St. Isidore’s Franciscan Friary, for St. Brigid’s Day celebration at the invitation of Frances Collins, Irish Ambassador to the Holy See.