Now make your way to the Lower Ground Floor via the main staircase. The door on your right at the bottom of the steps takes you out to Catherine’s tomb. This cemetery was consecrated on the 18th November 1841 by Doctor William Kinsella, Bishop of Ossory. In Catherine’s funeral oration he said, “...it would be unto all ages holy ground.” At first a simple cross was placed over Catherine’s grave. In 1869 Mother Magdalen Kirwan had a slab with the inscription put in place. Mother Genevieve Bourke had the little chapel-like structure built in 1910. Fifty Sisters are buried here in the garden.

Note the Winter garden on the left. In Summer the doors are opened and you can sit here to read or reflect. Notice the metal plaques on the Wall of Remembrance at the end of the garden. These bricks were donated by Sisters, co-workers and associated. Are there any plaques from your part of the world? It is still possible to purchase a brick. Enjoy the peace and beauty of this little oasis in the midst of our busy city.