(1) The Irish magdalen asylum had its roots in the Victorian rescue movement, and many of the magdalen asylums began as lay efforts to rescue and reform prostitutes.(2) Highlights of Matron Freeberger's days included visits from former and reformed Magdalens .(3) The first Magdalen asylums of the 1800s were smallish ventures offering prostitutes, expectant or post-pregnancy single mothers, and ‘compromised’ girls the option of temporary refuge and moral ‘rehabilitation.’(4) As prostitute par excellence, the example of the Magdalen could be called upon to reveal the way forward for women needing to seek repentance from sexual misconduct (the theme so searingly explored in the movie of the Irish magdalens ).(5) Should they desire to remain in the convent, after a period of probation, they are allowed to become Magdalens and eventually make the vows of the Magdalen order.
