Poor Clare nuns - Embracing technology

Celebrating the 800th anniversary of its formation, the enclosed contemplative order of the Poor Clare nuns has embraced the internet as a means of reaching out to the world.

The eight nuns living in the Poor Clare Colettine monastery in Cork allowed a television crew to film them at prayer for the first time.

The mother abbess stressed that they did not wish their new website to draw attention to them, but to draw attention to God.

Their lives are a testament of their belief in the power of prayer.

The Poor Clares are an enclosed order who see members of their families only three times a year, and even then through a grill. Their way of life has remained largely unchanged since the 13th century.

Their lifestyle is unlikely to have a mass appeal, but it does deserve the respect of the masses.

Allowing in the light of the outside world is a reminder that a fulfilling life need not necessarily be dominated by the glitz or glamour of celebrity.