Convent of the Sisters of Mercy
Taken From Inishowen (Its History, Traditions, and Antiquities) Maghtochair

The houses in Moville are new and well built, but the only edifice that can prefer any claim to beauty or architectural proportion is the Convent of the Sisters of Mercy. It stands on a rising round at the east side of the town. The sight is truly picturesque. Below are the broad blue waves of the Foyle, decked with shipping of every class, from the American liner to the smallest fishing boat' in the distance you can see Magilligan and the Derry mountains; in the background the Inishowen mountains rise their grey heads high into the sky. The Convent grounds are spacious, have an extensive frontage, and are carefully tended. The schoolrooms are large, lofty, and well ventilated. To the Convent is attached a pretty large chapel for the use of the community, and pretty large chapel for the use of the community, and which affords the town people an opportunity of hearing a daily mass. The eastern window is large, and displays much artistic skill. To kneel before the altar during the solemn stillness of the night, and behold the light of the silvery moon streaming through the window, you are reminded of Scott's description of Melrose.

"The moon on the east oriel shone
Through slender shafts of shapely stone,
By foliaged tracey combined;
Thou would'st have thought some fairy's hand
Twixt poplars straight osier wand,
In many a freakish knot had twined;
Then framed a spell when the work was done,
And changed the willow-wreaths to stone

The education which the good sisters impart does not consist of an empty catalogue of puerilities, which too often constitute the education of the world. Education does not consist in reading, writing, arithmetic, music, and the like. These are mere mechanical arts. They form a part of the grand educational system, but it is only a subordinate part. Religion should be the beginning, middle, and end of all educational systems. Such is the education which the good Sisters of Mercy impart. Religion however, is not the chief object of the institution.

Behind the Convent, and at a short distance, there is a large well-conducted National School. All these buildings have been erected within the past few years, and form only one of the many religions and educational establishments that have been founded by the fostering hand of his Lordship, the Most Rev. Dr. Kelly.

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