OLA Sisters celebrate their founder
The SMA and OLA
The Congregation of Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) was founded by Fr Augustin Planque SMA. Fr Planque was the successor of the SMA founder, Bishop de Marion-Brésillac. As Co-Founder of SMA he made a major contribution to the Society which he led for almost 50 years, 1859-1907.
Left to right: Mgr Andrew V Thanya-anan (Apostolic
Nunciature), Sr Nuala Harty OLA, Sr Eileen Cummins
OLA (Superior General), Sr Mary Crowley OLA (Provincial),
Cllr Catherine Clancy (Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork), Sr
Joan Murray OLA, Fr Fachtna O’Driscoll SMA (Provincial)
“If there aren’t Sisters to train the girls there will be no Christian families” he said. Realising the great need there was for sisters to work alongside the SMA missionaries and to bring their own particular charism to the work of mission in 1876 he founded the OLA.
Augustin Planque SMA died on 21 August 1907. OLA Sisters are commemorating the centenary of his death and launched the celebrations on 20 August.
Ardfoyle Convent was en fête for the opening of this special year of prayer and celebration. Flags of the various countries where Irish OLA Sisters work were displayed. Bishop John Buckley (Cork & Ross) was the main celebrant at the Mass. Irish SMA Provincial, Fr Fachtna O’Driscoll, preached the homily. OLA Superior General, Sr Eileen Cummins was present. The Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland and the Lord Mayor of Cork were represented in the gathering of more than 250 OLA well-wishers.