Museum spotlighting Irish orders

Irish religious orders of men and women will be featured in a new exhibition at the Irish American Heritage Museum in East Durham.

"The Irish in Religion" tells of the contributions of those orders in America. Featured are the histories of individual orders, their journeys to America and the ministries they were involved in.

The display features the contributions of Irish Religious in two dioceses: Albany and Atlanta, Georgia. The Evangelist contributed several photos used in the exhibition, which will eventually travel to Atlanta.

'Wealth' from Ireland

"Of all the wealth of human treasures that have emigrated from the shores of Ireland, some of the most beneficial to the cause of humanity have been Ireland's religious," states Tom Nelson, museum consultant.

"In America, as well as the rest of the world, the influence of these men and women, whose sole purpose in life has been for the care and well-being of others, is a lasting contribution to all our lives.

"These people include not only preachers and defenders of faith, but instigators for healing, teaching, feeding, housing, and agents for social change and welfare."

Diocesan ties

Joseph Dolan, board chair of the Irish American Heritage Museum encourages local Catholics to visit the exhibit because they "will leave with a better understanding of the contributions of Irish religious."

Catholics in the Albany Diocese may be particularly interested in some of the orders with a local presence, including the Sisters of Mercy, the Sisters of the Presentation and the Irish Christian Brothers.

Other orders featured include the Sisters of Charity, the Presentation Brothers and the Brothers of St. Patrick.

Key image

It is difficult for Mr. Dolan to select one part of the exhibition as being his favorite. One image, however, speaks loudly of the character of these religious men and women.

"There is an image of three Presentation nuns in a carriage going across the Plains," he said. "It speaks of their perseverance and sacrifice. It says a lot, but every image says so much."

The display has been in the planning for two years. During that time, Mr. Dolan traveled to Ireland to visit many of the orders. "Interviewing these people was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life," he said, because they "radiated a sense of joy, enthusiasm and humor."

Time connection

According to Mr. Nelson, "The problems of 19th-century Ireland are not that different from those facing the world today. Social inequities, the problems of the poor and dispossessed, and the downtrodden became the catalyst for the actions [of the orders].

"The impact that the religious from Ireland had on the burgeoning American society, especially since the mid-19th century, is undeniably great. That influence can still be felt today, and their deeds continue to inspire, help and uplift the multitudes, which testifies to their lasting significance in our world. This exhibition will celebrate and document the most important of these leaders, their causes and their followers."

(The exhibition opens May 26. Bishop Howard J. Hubbard will celebrate a Mass at Our Lady of Knock Shrine in East Durham on June 18 at 3 p.m. as part of the celebration. The museum is open Memorial Day-Labor Day, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday; and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $3.50 for adults; and $2 for children, students, seniors and individuals with special needs. For information, call the museum at 432-6598 or visit its website at www.irishamericanhermuseum.org.)

(05-25-00)