A New York-based religious order which has a presence in some of the world's most deprived areas is to open a friary in Limerick's troubled Moyross housing estate.
Two members of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal visited Limerick this week, and plans are now being finalised for the construction of a friary in the Delmege Park/Pineview Gardens area of Moyross.
Up to five members of the religious order are expected to live within the Moyross community once the friary opens in autumn 2007. During his visit to Limerick this week, Brother Shaun O'Connor, said the religious order aims to give locals a sense of hope.
"Our primary purpose is to take care of the spiritual and material needs of the people, to give them a real sense of hope and a sense of knowledge that God cares for them and loves them," he explained.
The order currently has a presence in New York, London, Honduras and Albuquerque.
Fr Glenn Sudano, who is currently based in Newark, New Jersey, said his order will try to help build a sense of community.
Limerick County Council is currently assisting the religious order in securing a premises for their friary which has been welcomed by the Diocese of Limerick and Moyross parish priest Fr Frank O'Dea.