THE Abbess of the Poor Clare Community on Nuns’ Island has said that the Community has been amazed by the continued support, financial and otherwise, it has received over the last six months since it began renovations to the reception area of the monastery.

Sr Colette has expressed the gratitude of herself and the Poor Clare community for the support for the work which, despite being hampered by bad weather, has progressed well.

“We want to thank people for their overwhelming support for us. The renovation to the front of the monastery is a significant step for us in adapting to our changing times and especially the need for a reception area that is warm and welcoming,” she said.

In spite of the recent bad weather, the work is continuing and is well on schedule. However, outdoor work such as painting has had to be put on hold.

“Even though the bad weather conditions have hampered the work slightly, we’re very blessed that we have got ten off so lightly. We are keenly aware of the suffering of so many people who have lost the roof over their heads and even their livelihoods and we have been praying very much for them and for all those involved in the rescue efforts. We are glad to hear that funds have been set up for those affected,” said Sr Colette.

The sisters hope to be well established in the newly refurbished area by Christmas and plan to have the official opening on January 16.

“We are conscious that this has all been made possible by the people of Galway and so that weekend we hope to open the doors to anyone who wishes to view the work. It will be a weekend of celebration and an opportunity for the sisters to meet people and say thank you.”

The finer details of that event have yet to be finalised. In the meantime there are other exciting events planned for the pre-Christmas period. For further details see this week’s Sentinel.