The community of the enclosed Carmelite Order at St Joseph's Monastery, Kilmacud, Co Dublin, tasted freedom yesterday after almost 20 years to celebrate the centenary of their community church. The last time they socialised with the public outside their monastery was 17 years ago, when Pope John Paul visited Ireland. On that occasion they attended the Papal Mass in the Phoenix Park.
After con celebrated Mass yesterday, the nuns mixed with the public and members of their families at a marquee reception on the convent lawn.