Eleanor Dillon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eleanor Dillon |
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|---|---|
| Religion | Christian |
| Order | Poor Clares |
| Personal | |
| Born | c. 1601 Killenfaghny, County Westmeath, Ireland |
| Died | 1629 (aged 27–28) Merchants' Quay, Dublin |
Sister Eleanor Dillon (born around 1601, died 1629) was an important Irish nun. She helped start the first convent for the Poor Clares in Ireland. The Poor Clares are a group of Catholic nuns who live a simple life dedicated to God. Eleanor became an abbess, which is the leader of a convent.
Contents
Eleanor Dillon: A Pioneer Nun
Early Life and Family
Eleanor Mary Dillon was born in Killenfaghny, County Westmeath, Ireland, around the year 1601. Her parents were Theobald Dillon, 1st Viscount Dillon and Eleanor (née Tuite). She came from a large family, with four sisters and seven brothers. Some of her brothers were Lucas and James. Her sister was Cecily Dillon.
Joining the Poor Clares
Eleanor decided to become a nun. She joined the English Poor Clares in a place called Gravelines in Flanders. Flanders is a region in modern-day Belgium and France. Her sister joined with her. On September 8, 1622, Eleanor became a professed nun. This means she made her final promises to God. Her new name was Sister Eleanor Mary of St Joseph.
Starting Convents in Europe
In 1625, Eleanor led a group of five young Irish nuns from Gravelines. Their goal was to start the first convent for Irish women since monasteries were closed down in Ireland. They first went to Dunkirk. However, the rent there was too high. So, they moved to Nieuport in Flanders in 1626. They successfully started a new convent there in early 1627.
Bringing the Poor Clares to Ireland
Eleanor's brothers, Louis and George, were both priests. They suggested that Eleanor and her sister should return to Ireland. They wanted them to start a convent there. At this time, Catholics in Ireland were being treated a bit better by the English authorities. This made it possible for some religious groups to set up new places.
A New Beginning in Dublin
The Dillon sisters arrived back in Ireland around June 13, 1629. They quickly established the first Poor Clares convent in Ireland. It was located at Merchants' Quay in Dublin. Eleanor became the abbess, or leader, of this new convent.
Eleanor Dillon died in 1629, the same year the convent was founded. The exact date of her death is not known. After her death, her sister took over as the abbess of the convent. Eleanor Dillon played a very important role in bringing the Poor Clares back to Ireland.
