The Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul in Ireland: the early years

The Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul in Ireland: The Early Years is a collection of essays that recount the early foundations of the Daughters of Charity in Ireland, their innovative work at national and local level and the spirit which has inspired them.

It gives an account of generations of women who lived a life of charity faithful to the spirit of their founders, Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac, embracing the poor as 'their Lords and Masters'.Beginnings were invariably small, usually without public fanfare and in most cases could be described as brave - if not foolhardy - undertakings, but during their first fifty years in Ireland, the Daughters of Charity were represented in practically every arena of social work, education and health care, working with a cross section of the needy in society, from children with severe learning difficulties to released prisoners.

In every instance these pioneering sisters effected real improvements in people's lives.'The reader will appreciate the diplomacy, sensitivity, political nous and missionary zeal with which this group of extraordinary women tackled the challenges presented by nineteenth and early twentieth century Catholic Ireland.

Suffice to say, it was not all plain sailing. This book's particular value is that it is written by contemporary Irish Daughters of Charity, who have themselves researched their group history to set down what happened in the past.

They are honest and clear in presenting the evidence.

The reader is left to draw his or her own conclusions.

Hence this book is timely - and not too soon.' -- Rev.

Joseph McCann CM PhD, Religious Educator, All Hallows College Dublin