Chapel
As a religious institution, the Chapel building was of vital importance to the Convent of the Sisters of Charity on Sean MacDermott St, and to the attached Magdalene Laundry.
Mass and religious observance were key parts of the lives of the Magdalene Women during their confinement in Sean MacDermott St, underscoring the fact that many who were imprisoned within the site’s walls against their will were placed here for religious reasons, not because they had broken any laws or were guilty of any crime.
“You wouldn’t know by anything by any…anything…the only thing you’d know is there would be more sermons, more religion, and the more you’d be…oh my God, they’d be doing your head in. Everything would be into the chapel for this that and the other. Jesus it would drive you mad. Oh I dreaded it and you’d n…had to go in because there’d always be nuns in the church, they’d…they’d know if you didn’t go in…and you w…you had no choice but go in, it was dreadful. It was just forced on you.”
O’Donnell, K., S. Pembroke and C. McGettrick. (2013) “Oral History of Martina Keogh”. Magdalene Institutions: Recording an Oral and Archival History.
Government of Ireland Collaborative Research Project, Irish Research Council, p.85.
Designed by the architect William H. Byrne, the Chapel at ‘St Mary’s Retreat’ from 1888, the firstMass was held in this building on March 27th 1892.
Jacinta Prunty, The Monasteries, Magdalene Asylums and Reformatory Schools of Our Lady of Charity in Ireland 1853-1973, Dublin: Columba Press (2017) p. 286)
It was described in 1890 as follows:
‘The new church, under Mr Byrne as architect and Messrs Meade as Builders was described as a ‘very beautiful example of classic [sic] architecture. The late 19th-century descriptions still hold for the most part. The plan was simple, with the nave divided by a single aisle, with ‘well made benches’ and a block of choir stalls on either side. The women’s benches were ranged in front facing the altar. There was never need for a grille or divide, as the women and sisters were all within the enclosure. There was a semi-circular apse, the full height of the church, within which the tabernacle and altar were set as a single unit…The roof was barrel vaulted with a geometric design of panels, the four windows on each side were set high in the walls. This allowed the cared wood stations of the cross (‘delicately coloured and mounted in drab and gold’) to be at eye level. Colour was suffused throguh the stained glass windoes, and the many niches…were occupied with statues. The church was entered through the avant choir or small chapel, over which the organ gallery protruded into the church .’
(Ibid)
“Well we’d get up in the morning, we’d get up around half-six or seven…a little bit before seven anyhow…you make your bed, you washed yourself, made your bed and then you went…you stood in a line. You went down the stairs, you went to Mass and you’d be starving and you’d be feeling weak, you know, from all night, then you…you’d go up for Mass then, in to have your breakfast which would be again a boiled egg and a slice of bread and a mug…cup of tea or mug…no a cup, they’d be white, and then you’d go out then and you’d do your chores… and then from there then we’d go into the laundry at about half-nine and we would be there then until dinner hour.
Then we’d go back…we’d get about a few minutes around…you’d have a little smoke or whatever and then…you’d go back into the laundry until five or half-five and then you’d go in and get your tea, and then you’d go into a room and then you would sit there and then you go back…”
O’Donnell, K., S. Pembroke and C. McGettrick. (2013) “Oral History of Martina Keogh”. Magdalene Institutions: Recording an Oral and Archival History.
Government of Ireland Collaborative Research Project, Irish Research Council, p.36.
The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage of Ireland appraises the Chapel’s architecture as follows:
‘The chapel on Seán Mac Dermott Street, formerly Gloucester Street, is a building of excellent quality. It has a somewhat austere, though well-designed and well-executed exterior, only enlivened by the contrasting colours of brick, the pilasters and features such as the gabled projection and bell-cote. The apse provides further interest. The chapel’s interior is extremely ornate, having a host of accomplished classical detailing. Neoclassical motifs are executed to the highest standard in materials including plasterwork, mosaic and marble. The nave and chancel are illuminated by a series of stained-glass windows which memorialise saints that were significant to the congregation. Mary Magdalene features prominently throughout the chapel. Carved marble reliefs depicting scenes from life and salvation of the saint enrich the central altar. The ceiling is a fine plasterwork composition with a detailed cornice. The polychrome tiled floor enhances the interior of the nave and porch. The retention of the high altar and altar rails adds significantly to the artistic interest of the nave. Other decorative features, including the stained glass, recessed with statues of the saints, and the Stations of the Cross, are notable. The baldacchino is a rare feature and displays much good quality detailing. The classical theme is continued through doorways and the confessionals, with architraves and pediments. The complex in which the chapel stands was known to generations as the Gloucester Street Laundry. It was last remaining Magdalene Laundry in Ireland and closed its doors in October 1996. The convent complex was subsequently handed over to Dublin City Council by the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity.’
For their full architectural description, follow the link [here].
“…I told him [Senator McAleese for the government report into the Magdalene Laundries] about the two girl…about the girl running away and I said, ‘when she was brought back, the nuns battered her and cut her hair to…cut her hair’. Now the blood…there was no blood…but they cut her hair to the bald…to the…it was all bald patches and she was made go in the church and lie on the steps with her hands out. Lie straight down and…while…while the Mass went, and she…her hands stretched out.”
O’Donnell, K., S. Pembroke and C. McGettrick. (2013) “Oral History of Martina Keogh”. Magdalene Institutions: Recording an Oral and Archival History.
Government of Ireland Collaborative Research Project, Irish Research Council, p.43.