This is the room that was prepared for Catherine on her return from Birmingham shortly before she died. It is a sacred place where you are invited to spend some time in quiet reflection.

On her prie-dieu is her Suscipe, her total dedication of her life and work to God. In the glass case you will see some of Catherine’s personal belongings:

• her bed jacket
• coif
• the crucifix she held in her hands when she died
• her office book
• her cup and saucer (part of the set she brought with her from Coolock)

The large Crucifix was presented to her by her great friend and counsellor, Fr Armstrong when the house was opened in 1827.

Over the fireplace is a painting of the Virgin and Child, a gift from Dr. Blake, another friend, on the occasion of the opening of the Chapel in 1829.

Her writing desk and chair are also kept in this room. Here in this room therefore are the objects with which Catherine prayed and worked.

Sr. Raphael Nelson, whom Catherine’s contemporaries felt resembled Catherine, sat for the portrait above the desk.

The work of Sr. Clare Augustine Moore on the back wall show Catherine’s detachment, her trust in the Constitutions and her confidence in the Sisters who would continue her work.

“The constitutions give the Sisters liberty of choosing for themselves & I will not interfere.”