Ireland, a land well-verused with the difficulties of inequality and migration, recalls periods in its past where up to a quarter of its inhabitants departed within a timespan of just ten years. Widespread famine, rampant unemployment, an absence of medical care, destitution, population density, deplorable living conditions, and surging house rent frequently instigated the exodus. These individuals sought limited opportunities to a superior lifestyle. This past mirrors current global patterns where numerous individuals flee their native lands for similar reasons. In an age marked by ever-increasing inequality, the rise of impoverished situations, and eco-related catastrophes, migration has become a vital survival tool. Such movement is a perennial element in the evolution of mankind.
Despite the negative rhetoric often driven by mass and social media around immigration in Irish politics and society, the benefits of migration are undeniable. Indeed, Ireland serves as a blueprint of how migration has favorably influenced both departing and recipient nations. Yet such debates are clouded by an escalating inequality and the inadequacy of economical housing options, pushing more individuals and households towards temporary housing solutions or homelessness.
The societal awareness of the housing crisis in Dublin, and the tense and occasionally vicious reactions to government-related attempts to supply aid to international applicants for protection, is well-documented. In my capacity within the justice, peace and ecology division of the Association of Leaders of Missionaries and Religious of Ireland, I routinely face pleas for aid with the housing crisis for refugees and asylum seekers from assorted state, local entities, and individuals.
We are also struggling with an ongoing squirrel problem in our garden. What measures can we employ to deter their presence?
Tomorrow’s social leaders often emerge within these distinctive societal situations. Women, in particular, have often played key roles as part of religious congregations and orders, identifying critical social needs and responding accordingly. Fore-runners such as Catherine McCauley, Mary Aikenhead, Nano Nagle, and Marie Helena (Mary) Martin have been notable for their significant impact on societal realities, in Ireland as well as internationally.
It is beyond dispute that Ireland’s religious figures play an integral role in the narrative of the nation’s history.
The inception of a previously nonexistent social service industry in Ireland can be attributed to the groundbreaking endeavours of certain early pioneers. Driven by a strong adherence to gospel principles, they assumed diverse roles including, but not limited to, practitioners, surgeons, nurses, educators, social activists, ecologists, and social business leaders. A number of these pioneers even offered their services in overseas locations, often operating in risky or dangerous environments with scarce resources.
Even today, many religious individuals actively support different societal issues, standing in unity with others. They advocate against human trafficking, supply food to those in need, provide accommodation for the homeless, offer affordable housing solutions for low-wage earners and help with addiction services, amongst other things. Many Irish organisations such as Focus Ireland, Sophia Housing, Cuan Mhuire, Clann Credo, Children’s Grief Centre, Ruhama and more, are based on the foundations laid by an Irish religious sister or group, notable figures include Sr Stanislaus Kennedy of the religious Sisters of Charity and Sr Consilio of the Religious Sisters of Mercy.
Despite a decrease in their populace and an older demographic, religious groups persist in addressing significant societal justice issues. In response to the housing crisis, religious groups have offered an array of their properties located all over Ireland to bodies including the Irish Refugee Council, the Irish Red Cross, local authorities, and numerous charities. This includes retreat centres, nursing homes, convents, previous student lodgings, private homes and apartments, and even single rooms. They’ve facilitated emergency shelter for refugees and asylum seekers, sometimes transferring ownership of properties to charitable organisations and governmental bodies. Apart from this, individual members also offer pastoral care and various other aids such as language tuition, trauma counselling, and community sponsorship. These religious groups continue to back essential humanitarian projects worldwide.
Recently, conversations in Ireland have primarily concerned the appalling exposure of terrible abuse perpetrated by members of religious orders against women and children. This distressing reality is undeniably part of the narrative surrounding Irish religious orders. However, to construct a comprehensive narrative, it’s equally important to acknowledge the innovative, foundational contributions made by these religious orders to Ireland’s social structure and beyond, which continue today. The initiatives they took saved lives and created opportunities for disregarded and overlooked segments of society.
The role of religious orders in Ireland is a critical, interconnected part of Ireland’s overall story, despite palpable shortcomings. It’s a segment of the story that ought to be acknowledged.
Dr. Toni Pyke holds the position of justice, peace, and ecology coordinator for the Association of Leaders of Missionary and Religious of Ireland. Her experience encompasses both living and serving in various global locations such as the United States, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and her home country of Ireland, with her work mainly focusing on international development matters. In addition, she has held lecturing positions at both the University of South Africa and Maynooth University.