THE Carmelite nuns in Blackrock, Co Dublin, are to close their 174-year-old monastery due to falling numbers and a shortage of vocations.
The Blackrock Carmelites, an enclosed and contemplative order, have lived in the monastery since 1823 but only seven sisters now remain. Their branch of the Carmelites was established following a reform of the order by St Teresa of Avila in the 16th century.
There are 11 Carmelite monasteries in Ireland, with some 150 contemplative female Carmelites and 300 male Carmelites.
In common with other religious orders, a number of Carmelite monasteries have closed or joined with other monasteries in recent years, but the sisters in Blackrock not unhappy with the decision they have been forced to make.
"Of course it's sad," said Sister Therese, prioress of Blackrock. "We are conscious of the fact that we have been there for 174 years and it is sad to have to leave the home you have lived in for so long. We have made that decision to leave because we felt it was God's will and it was the right thing to do, and we are still at peace with it."
She said she hoped the orders would be strengthened by the redistribution of the sisters and by the centenary this year of the death of St Therese of Lisieux, the patron of missionary orders who was herself a Carmelite.
Sister Therese said their "greatest sadness" was for the wider community in which they had lived and which had turned to them in time of need.
They are now concerned that the convent chapel and the adjoining cemetery, in which 53 sisters are buried, will be granted a preservation order.
It is understood that the property is not being put up for sale but may be taken over by another religious order.