22/11/2024
We are very sad to report that the great Cistercian Abbey at Mount Melleray, which flourished for almost 200 years, is to close from January 26th, 2025. A statement from the Cistercian Order today reads, "The decision had been taken regretfully and in accordance with the restrictions of present resources." Melleray will be vacated in late January with the remaining 7 monks and lay brothers moving to Mount St Joseph's Abbey, Roscrea.
We at Celtic Ways Ireland have had 25 groups stay in the Abbey's Guesthouse over the past 5 years and had plans for 8 more groups in 2025. Mount Mellerary was a sanctuary for so many, a place of prayer, a refuge for people in search of peace. The Guestmaster, Br Seamus, always extended a warm and grace-filled welcome to all who stayed. We are already putting plans in place for an alternative base for our St Declan's Way pilgrim groups, yet, for us, nowhere fully captures the unique ambience of Mount Melleray.
Whilst we appreciate that declining numbers sadly make the closure of such monasteries inevitable, we regret the speed with which this has been done and the lack of consultation with people like ourselves, St Declan's Way Committee, Pilgrim Paths Ireland, Knockmealdown Active, not to mention the many community groups in and around Cappoquin who have a vested interest in Mount Melleray Abbey and who, together in a collaborative process, could have considered a new vision for Mount Mellerary that is both economically viable yet respectful of the unique spiritual heritage of the Abbey.
Mount Melleray Abbey was carved out of the hands of faith communities almost 200 years ago and it is the ancestors of these same communities who will feel the pain of the closure of Mount Melleray Abbey. The statement issued by the Cistercians reminds us that "no final decisions have been taken at this stage regarding any of the properties which may be vacated in the near future." We would respectfully encourage the Cistercian Order to engage with community groups who have remained loyal to Mount Melleray Abbey through the years in their discernment as to how best the Abbey can best serve the people and perpetuate its spiritual heritage for generations to come.
Mount Melleray Abbey has been a beacon in a darkened world. Let's hope it can continue to radiate light in years to come.
Dr Phil and Elaine Brennan
(Celtic Ways Ireland)
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