Archbishop praises Mercy sisters

The Catholic Archbishop of Armagh, Dr Sean Brady says that no group has made a greater contribution to the development of Irish society than the Mercy Order of nuns.

Preaching at a special mass tonight marking the order's 150 years in Dundalk, Dr Brady said that it would be a travesty of truth and justice if the excellent work the order had done in the past were to be forgotten in the present.

Referring to the abuse scandals, Dr Brady said these were difficult and painful issues from the past, which the order, as well as other congregations and the church in general, must courageously confront.