Celebrating with the Monks of Mt Melleray

On Monday, January 13th, we had the great pleasure of welcoming the monks of Mt. Melleray Abbey, accompanied by their organist and dear friend, Susan Greene, to our traditional post-Christmas dinner and gathering. This event, originally planned for January 6th, the Feast of the Epiphany, had been postponed due to severe weather that left the brethren snowed in.

Though the occasion was filled with warmth and gratitude, it was also tinged with sadness because our dear brothers are preparing to leave their home and our neighbourhood to relocate at the monastery of Mt. St. Joseph’s Abbey in Roscrea, Co. Tipperary. There, they will form part of the new community, Our Lady of Silence, alongside the monks of Mt. St. Joseph’s and Mellifont Abbey, Co. Louth.

Since 1932, when they purchased the house and land that facilitated the founding of Ireland’s only house of Cistercian nuns here at Glencairn, the monks of Mt. Melleray Abbey have been integral to our life at St. Mary’s Abbey. From the outset, their remarkable generosity was evident—they aided in the monastery’s development, including building the Abbey church and providing skilled tradespeople such as plumbers, electricians, and painters for the maintenance of all the monastery’s buildings.

Over the decades, the monks have served in various roles, undertaking the work of farm management, teaching, chaplains, and confessors. They also assisted with transport when, in times past, sisters were not permitted to drive. Through their steadfast support and inspiring example of monastic life, the monks became not only dear friends but also beloved brothers in Christ. Consequently, their goodness and unwavering support will always be cherished by the sisters.

As we shared dinner, prayed, and gathered in the Abbess’s room to reminisce and discuss the future, the forthcoming move weighed heavily on our hearts. Yet, despite this sadness, the day was profoundly enjoyable. The community’s courage and faith in facing the unknown was truly heartening. The monks’ presence in the choir added depth and richness to the singing of the Office, which made the whole day especially memorable.

While their physical absence will be deeply felt, we will carry our Cistercian brothers in our hearts and prayers as they embark on this new and courageous chapter of their monastic journey.

May God bless them all