Guests

The audience comprising members of the Dominican family, their associates, co-workers, friends, pupils and past pupils, gathered to celebrate 800 years of Dominican women.

Guests

In music, song, and drama, students from Dominican primary, secondary and third level schools and colleges portrayed the story which began in 1206 at Prouilhe, France with the foundation of the first community of Dominican women.

A short creative video presentation describing the life and times of St. Dominic enabled the audience to understand the factors which gave birth to his dream. It set the scene for the evening’s performance.

Dramatic vignettes traced the story of Dominican women, particularly Irish Dominican women from the 17th century onwards. Skilful young actors and actresses brought to life the courage and spirit of these women. The scenes illustrated key moments in the history of the Cabra Dominicans from the return of two elderly nuns, Juliana Nolan and Mary Lynch, to Galway in 1686 after more than thirty years exile in Spain.

Although young women joined their community the trials and vicissitudes during the penal times reduced their numbers to two or three at the lowest point of their history. By the 1860s their numbers flourished and the audience witnessed dramatic and colourful representations of the sending forth of missionary groups from Cabra, Sion Hill and Dun Laoire to South Africa, Australia, New Orleans, New Zealand and Lisbon. The dance and mime of other performers and the inspiring, appropriately chosen songs of the choir, ‘transported’ the audience to the mission areas just mentioned.  After the portrayal of Cabra Dominicans’ role in the field of education at various levels, a short video illustrated the sisters engagement in many areas of diverse ministries as they respond to the needs of today.

In the souvenir programme Sr.Caitriona Geraghty OP provided the background for the events celebrated on stage. This programme also included a foreword by Sr. Helen O’Dwyer, Prioress of the Irish Region and messages of appreciation from President McAleese, a Dominican past pupil, Sr.Helen Mary Harmey, Congregation Prioress, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, and Irish Provincial Fr. Pat Lucey OP.

Fr Pat Lucey and Mr Con Cronin

Dominican past pupil Mary Banotti, MEP, was the guest speaker.  Over 350 students and teachers from various parts of Ireland were involved in the production.  The harmonious blending of 200 voices from a number of schools, as well as talented soloists and musicians, were the ingredients of a vibrant performance.  Thanks to the dedication and many, many hours of hard work of the teachers, planners, contributors and organisers, the 8th of October was truly a celebratory night to remember. 

Ms Mary Hanafin, Minister for Education (right) with guest

Note: More photos taken at the event by Fr Philip Mc Shane can be viewed and downloaded at

http://picasaweb.google.com/philipmcshanesphotos/NCHCabra800Guests?authkey=8oLT1UUktA4 

Sr Maris Stella Mc Keown, OP