A new congregation of Franciscan priests and brothers, from the US, France and Germany, is to open its first friary in Ireland at Moyross in Limerick city.
The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal was founded in New York city by eight Capuchin friars in 1987 with a primary aim of serving the poor materially.
Every member of their community is to be personally and directly involved in "hands-on" work with the poor. Their secondary mission is to preach and teach the Gospel.
To date they would be best known for their work with the poor and homeless in the South Bronx, New York city.
Br Shawn O'Connor, who will be the local servant (superior) of the community in Limerick, comes from New York state and has worked in the South Bronx and the East End of London.
On behalf of the new community, he said: "We are happy to be in Limerick and Moyross and we are looking forward to getting to know the people and helping them, not just materially, but especially to know the love that God has for them."
On August 18th, five friars will officially move into their new home at Delmege Park in Moyross. Joining Br Shawn in the new community will be Fr Paulus from Dresden in Germany, Br Martin from Omaha, Nebraska, Br Seraphim from Versailles in France and Fr Sylvester from Philadelphia. The opening of their St Patrick's friary will be celebrated with a Mass in Corpus Christi Church, Moyross, at 2.30pm on August 18th.
Bishop of Limerick Dr Donal Murray welcomed the friars to Limerick and prayed that "like St Francis himself, they may play a fruitful part in the rebuilding of the Lord's church in our diocese".
Moyross parish priest Fr Frank O'Dea said he was "delighted" to welcome the friars.