Irish Nuns at Ypres- An Episode of the War

history, religion, spirituality · EN

In the words of M. Maura, O.S.B., Prioress (April 1915), I have charged Dame M. Columban to provide a thorough account of our Communitys experiences from the German invasion of Ypres to our safe arrival at Oulton Abbey. This heartfelt narrative draws from the personal notes of several nuns, recounting their true stories amidst the turmoil of World War I. Established in 1665, the Abbey of the Irish Dames of Ypres served as a spiritual haven for the daughters of Irish nobility, supported by prominent Irish families living in exile. Sadly, after over two centuries of dedicated prayer, education, and community life, the Abbey faced destruction from German bombardments early in the war. With the assistance of The Royal Munster Fusiliers, the nuns were evacuated and eventually found refuge at Kylemore Abbey in Connemara, Ireland, in 1920. - Summary by David Wales