The first foundation from the convent in Callan was to the Kilkenny Workhouse in 1875. Six sisters (four from Callan and two Sisters from Skibbereen who came to train them) set up community within the workhouse. They were invilved in nursing, teaching and spiritual care of the residents. By 1941 the workhouse had evolved into St. Luke’s Hospital. also know as the County Hospital. The sisters had separate living quarters within the hospital grounds.
In 1979 the Sisters moved to a house which had been acquired in Talbot’s Inch, a short distance from the hospital and thsi is now Villa Maria community.
The Sisters manage a meeting room within the building which is used for many different prayer meetings, AA meetings, Bereavement counselling etc.
Southern Province 