(Maeve Connolly, Irish News)

When the full story of the peace process unfolds Clonard Monastery in west Belfast will receive the recognition it deserves, President Mary McAleese said yesterday (Wednesday).

Speaking at the launch of a book celebrating the Redemptorists' 100 years in Clonard, Mrs McAleese emphasised the critical, but largely unknown, role the order had played in assisting the move from violence to politics in the north.

"Nothing done was done for the record, nothing done was for thanks," she said.

Clonard's mission statement is that it act as a centre of welcome and outreach, according to Rector Fr Peter Burns who welcomed various clergy, guests and dignitaries to yesterday's book launch.

Reminiscing about walking hand-in-hand with her mother from their Ardoyne home to the monastery, Mrs McAleese said it was "a joy" to return.

"I have lovely memories of this sacred place. It is a place where God greeted his broken people with abiding love," she said.

Published by Columba Press, Dr James Grant's One Hundred Years with the Clonard Redemptorists was "written with a great sense of love and respect for this place and the people who live here," according to Fr Brendan McConvery.

Also in attendance yesterday was Secretary of State Paul Murphy who was taken on a tour of the monastery.

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