The OLA Blog
Stories, reflections, and updates from our mission and community life. Here we share reflections, insights and experiences, believing that the simple act of sharing can inspire, connect, and open hearts.
Recognising the Quiet Strength of Women in Rural Communities
Today, on 15th October, we take a moment to honour the often-overlooked contributions of rural women around the world. These women are the backbone of agricultural communities, stewards of the land, and central to the wellbeing of families and villages. Yet,...
Sr Mary T Barron on the Synod and the Role of Women
Yesterday, Sr Mary T Barron shared her thoughts after a key Synod briefing, focusing on the role of women in the Synodal process. She spoke with clarity about the reality: there are fewer women around the tables. But her focus was not on what is lacking; instead, she...
God Walks with His People: Pope Francis’ Message for the 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees
This Sunday, 29 September 2024, the Catholic Church will celebrate the 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, a day dedicated to reflecting on the global challenges faced by those displaced from their homelands. Pope Francis, in his message for this day,...
Penitential Prayer Vigil, St Peters’ Square
As the Catholic Church approaches a significant moment in its Synodal journey, Pope Francis invites us to join him in a time of reflection and prayer. On October 1, 2024, he will lead a penitential vigil in St. Peter's Basilica, encouraging everyone—especially...
Pursuing Peace in a World Consumed by Conflict
Peace is one of those elusive concepts that, like the wind, we feel on our skin but struggle to grasp. It often seems abstract, an ideal more than a reality. But if we pay attention, peace is not an ideal somewhere out there; it is a presence, a grounding force woven...
A Reflection of My Journey as a Volunteer in Tanzania
We're delighted to share a guest post by Noreen O'Grady, a retired principal from County Donegal, whose journey to Tanzania has opened her heart and mind to the resilience and beauty of life in rural Africa. After years of longing to volunteer abroad, Noreen's visit...
Fifth Cork Conference on Intergenerational Climate Justice to Address Climate Fatigue
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Cork, Ireland – The Fifth Cork Conference on Intergenerational Climate Justice will take place online via Zoom on Thursday, 17 October 2024, from 9:00am to 1:00pm. This year’s event, titled “Climate Breakdown – Who Cares?” will...
Diamond Jubilees: Celebrating Sixty Years of Service
This past Saturday, 31 August, we celebrated the Diamond Jubilees of Sr Martha Ahern and Sr Mary Connaughton, honouring their sixty years of dedicated service as OLA Sisters. It was a day of heartfelt gratitude and reflection, beginning with a celebratory Mass led by...
Reflection on the Season of Creation 2024: To Hope and Act with Creation
As we enter the Season of Creation 2024, we are invited to reflect deeply on our relationship with the world around us. This year’s theme, "To Hope and Act with Creation," calls us to re-examine our role within Creation, not as rulers, but as fellow creatures,...
Subscribe
Receive occasional updates from OLA Ireland, including reflections, news, and ways to engage with our work for justice, peace, and mission. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed and inspired.
We will never share your information! Read our Privacy Policy.