Crescent College Students Visit Glencairn Abbey

We were delighted to welcome a group of Leaving Certificate students from Crescent College, Limerick, together with two of their teachers, for a retreat day at St Mary’s Abbey, Glencairn. Students from Crescent College have been visiting us each year for this past 5 years, so we look forward to their annual trip, and pray for them throughout the year.

For the sixteen students, this was their first time visiting a monastery or convent. The retreat day offered them a new perspective on the monastic way of life and a chance to experience something of our rhythm of prayer within their Ignatian school formation.

The day began as the students joined the community for Terce, one of the Little Hours of the Divine Office. Afterward, they enjoyed tea and conversation with some of the Sisters, before gathering for a talk on our Cistercian vocation and way of life. The session concluded with a thoughtful Q&A, as the students raised questions about community, vocation and prayer.

Later in the morning, the group were taken on a short tour of our industries, gaining an insight into the daily work that supports our life here. This was followed by a walk with our Novitiate Sisters, and the monastery dog!

After joining the community again for Sext, the students and teachers had dinner together in the guesthouse, followed by a time of quiet reflection. Before their departure after None, each student was invited to write down prayer requests, which we will continue to remember in our daily prayer.

It was a joy to host this group, whose attentiveness and curiosity enriched the day. We hope their visit to Glencairn will remain with them as a source of encouragement and reflection as they continue their journey of faith.