An enclosed order of nuns based in north Dublin is the latest group to partake in an online dance challenge, as a tribute to frontline workers.
Aged between 28 and 92, the Redemptoristine nuns at St Alphonsus Road in Drumcondra began practising their moves for their entry in the Jerusalema challenge last week.
The subsequent video has been viewed more than 135,000 times since it was uploaded to social media on Monday, according to Sr Lucy Conway.
In the video two older sisters can be seen clapping their younger counterparts as they dance the routine in various rooms and corridors in their monastery.
The video signals the nuns’ support for frontline workers, who “are the real heroes”, Sr Conway told The Irish Times.
“We did it because our hearts are with all who are suffering ... We haven’t been affected by the virus. Our life is one of prayer and we are trying to reach out to the world,” she added.
Speaking to The Irish Times, Sr Conway said the nuns were shocked by the “huge response” they have received online and said they have been inundated with emails from people around the world.
“Every email and every text has made me laugh and made me cry. This is coming from a group of sisters who are enclosed,” she said.
The online dance challenge involves participants dancing to the viral hit Jerusalema, composed by musician Master KG and sung by African gospel vocalist Nomcebo Zikode.
An Garda Síochana was the first notable organisation in Ireland to take on the Jerusalema challenge, with members from across the country performing the challenge routine in response to a request from Swiss police.
Since then other emergency services, charities, nursing homes, and numerous private companies have uploaded videos of their staff and volunteers attempting the dance challenge.
