News & Events
A Centenary in Tubbercurry
Holy Family National School in Tubbercurry celebrated a century of education at a special mass on June 3, 2011. It all began on September 28, 1901 when five Marist Sisters were first welcomed by Bishop Lyster. He had invited them to take charge of the National School for girls and the Infant school for boys and also to train the parish choir and play the organ. The sisters taught for 10 years in the old Carrowntubber school before moving in 1911 to the present site on the Ballymote Road. The joyful celebration on June 3 marked the years of service in Holy Family School.
1911-2011 has been a century of change but the one constant may be summed up in the words of Isaiah (the first reading of the mass): “He has sent me to bring the good news to the poor”. Over the years the Marist Sisters and their teaching colleagues have dedicated their lives to bringing that “good news”, by providing a Christian education to generations of young people who, in their time, have gone forth “to the ends of the earth” to share their gifts and make their world a better place.
Today, Holy Family National School is multinational, multicultural and multidenominational.The children represent four continents and their respective languages and cultures greatly enrich the school community. A variety of teaching methods are used in the formation of students. In the words of school principal, Sr. Mary Richardson, “ Computers and interactive whiteboards replace blackboard and chalk, and students are exposed to a very broad academic, social and sporting curriculum. Our success over the years in sport, drama, music, the introduction of new Literacy and Numeracy schemes, only serve to make us more ambitious for progress in the future. We go forward with renewed vigour and optimism”. Truly it is so right to pause and give thanks for the wonders that God has done in this special place called “Holy Family National School”.
And if you want to read more about this very dynamic school, check out their website: www.holyfamilytubbercurry.com.
Marists have a New Home
On April 22nd, 2011, the Marist community in Tubbercurry moved to their new home – a brand new convent. They didn’t have far to travel. Just a few hundred yards from the century old building whose doors they closed for the last time. As they unpacked their bags, it was Easter – a time of new life and joy. And that joy echoed in their hearts as they breathed in the welcomed newness. Light, brightness, colour, freshness – all that we associate with Easter pervaded the atmosphere and found an echo in their hearts. A new day had dawned in the history of Marists in Tubbercurry. New doors have opened. A new horizon appears from the windows. As life unfolds, as they relish this happy transition now shaping their days, may its freshness and newness enable them to enter life more fully and continue to be like Mary in all their interactions with the people of Tubbercurry and beyond.
The century old Marist Convent is going through a transition of its own. At present it is surrounded by a high fence. Inside, the workers are bringing about the transformation of the Convent and former secondary/boarding school into units for social housing with some larger areas for group activity, social gatherings, childcare etc. In keeping with the charism of the Marist Sisters, this property will continue to serve the needs of people, especially those who have limited resources.
This century old building has a rich history. Generations of young women, and in later years young men, received their secondary school education here. Through the years Marist Sisters , with outstanding lay teachers, were involved in the educational formation of these young people. Thousands of these Marist graduates have gone forth in the world to share their giftedness in their time and place. If the walls could speak, what stories they could tell! It is important to note that when the fence comes down and the work of transformation is finished, all will not be changed . The facade will look the same. It will be easily recognizable by anyone who spent some time within its hallowed walls. The change/transformation will be within. It will stand as a beacon reminding us that we are pilgrim people on a journey with the God of transformation, on a journey within, on a journey home to the centre where God dwells.
This building is being transformed into units for social housing
Srs. Brenda and Constance Dodd in front of the new convent
Sr. Angela Durkin on the doorstep
The Prayer Chapel
Archive:
Jubilee Celebrations – Summer 2010
Golden Jubilee of Marist Convent, Sundrive Road
Golden Jubilee of the Marist Primary School, Clogher Road
Jubilee Celebrations - Srs. Joan Colleran, Elizabeth Gilmartin, Mary Johnson
Regional Chapter in Guadalajara, Mexico
