Cork nun who saved lives in two world wars honoured by French town

From left, Valérie David-McGonnell, Béthune mayor Olivier Gacquerre, deputy mayor Maryse Bertoux, and Sandrine Donchez in Béthune, where Cork nun Sr Marie Laurence was honoured.  Pictures: Valérie David-McGonnell

A French town has honoured an Irish nun who “fought in the shadows” to save hundreds of lives during two world wars.

The authorities in Béthune in northern France unveiled a lectern and photograph in a quiet corner of the city’s northern cemetery to recognise Cork-born Sr Marie Laurence’s heroic role with the French Resistance.