"Our Dear Convent Home"

(The following poetic tribute to our convent home, written about 100 years ago by one of the Sisters, reflects the true Franciscan Spirit which is as alive in the Community today as it was then)

"In old, historic Leitrim (of Ardagh's ancient Son),
Near the banks of Allen Water, stands
Drumshanbo dear to me.
For an old Franciscan Convent nestles
there above the town,
On a hill amid the mountains - nature's
ramparts gaunt and brown.

"Here at morn the golden sunburst paints
the landscape with its glow,
While the glorious scene is mirrored in the
placid lake below.
When at eve, 'mid fiery splendours, seeks the
sun the golden West,
See it kiss the distant mountains as it gently
sinks to rest.

"Hill and meadow, Lake and mountain raise to
God the thinking soul,
Undulating plains and pastures blend in one
harmonious whole.
If this exile is so lovely, think what must the
homeland be.
If in Nature lies such glory, what of that from
nature free?

"Mid such scenes of varied beauty, like a jewel
set with care,
Stands the Convent, like that other on Alverna's
mountain bare,
Here within Drumshanbo's Cloister, called to
choose the better part,
Virgin/souls, in Jesus' footsteps, seek the
interests of His Heart.

"Hour by hour, the Sisters hasten to the post
they love so well,
Hour by hour across the mountains, sounds the
Adoration Bell.
Through the night until the morning, Jesus is not
left alone -
For each hour brings new adorers with fresh
ardour to his Throne.

"And the light from out the window, like the
gleam of Bethlem's star,
Draws the sigh of many a wanderer unto Jesus,
from afar.
Eucharistic Heart of Jesus: fill our hearts with
light and love;
In the Sacred Host uniting this poor earth with
Heaven above.

"Holy Father; Blessed Francis; and thou sainted
Mother Clare;
St. Elizabeth, our patron, your devotion with
us share;
As we worship 'neath earth's shadows, kindle our
poor feeble love,
Till we see, in all its beauty, that dear Face
Unveiled above; Amen"