Penitents" Long Days of "High-class Laundry" and Prayer Recital

By Paul Melia
Irish Independent
February 6, 2013

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/penitents-long-days-of-highclass-laundry-and-prayer-recital-3377917.html

LIFE was harsh in the State's Magdalene Laundries, with working days lasting from 7am to 6pm and little time for recreation.

The residents or penitents – that is, someone seeking forgiveness from God – normally began their day with Mass at 7am followed by breakfast. They then worked until 12.30pm when dinner was served.

Periods of prayer were observed during the day, including reciting the Rosary which the women would respond to while working and a pause for the Angelus at 12pm and 6pm, and the Sacred Heart prayer at 4pm. Silence was observed at other times. After dinner, work resumed until the evening meal at around 6pm.

Tea breaks were part of the daily routine, and there was a half-day on Thursdays. No laundry was carried out on Sundays, holy days or bank holidays.