About
The Community consists of five Sisters of St. John of God, who are supported by a committed and friendly staff. All participate and play a significant role in the ministry of the Centre. When you visit us, you will find both Sisters and staff welcoming and hospitable.
The Sisters of St. John of God were founded in Wexford, Ireland in 1871 by Mother Visitation Clancy, who came from Fermoyle, Durrow, Co. Laois and Bishop Thomas Furlong of the Diocese of Ferns. Their concern was for the spiritual and temporal needs of the people and their desire was to continue to make present in the world the liberating, compassionate care of Christ for his people. (Read more www.ssjg.org).
In March 1967, two farmhouses with some land were offered for sale in Ballyvaloo and were purchased by the Sisters of St. John of God. The farmhouses, being in poor condition, were demolished and the foundations for a new Retreat and Holiday House were dug in February 1968. The first group of Sisters arrived for holidays on 18th June 1968. By 1969, it was felt the residential accommodation was inadequate to meet the demands of the time and two new wings consisting of further bedrooms and a Conference Room were added.
In 2008, after forty years of use, the original building needed some upgrading and so a decision was taken to close Ballyvaloo for refurbishment. Part of the original structure was demolished and thirty new en-suite bedrooms were built. The newly refurbished Centre re-opened for business on 6th September 2009 and was formally blessed by Bishop Denis Brennan on 21st October that same year.
As Sisters of St. John of God, following in the footsteps of our Founders, we are aware of our call to be God-centered women who hold a faith-view of life. In sharing our faith with others, we invite them to explore the mystery of God revealed through their own life experiences, through other people and all creation. We collaborate with others in creating and sustaining a just world, where all may experience the loving face of God.
