Guestmasters and Guestmistresses Conference at Kylemore Abbey

On Tuesday, 27th January, Sister Marie and Sister Angela travelled to Kylemore Abbey to take part in this year’s Guestmasters and Guestmistresses Conference, a gathering of the Benedictine Federation and the Bernardine and Cistercian monasteries of this Region. Eleven participants attended in person, with two monks joining the meeting via video call.

Monks and nuns reflected on the challenges and joys of monastic hospitality. Our sharing focused on the experience of welcoming a wide variety of guests to our guest houses: day visitors, residential and long-term guests and volunteers. Many people today are seeking the stability, peace, silence and prayer that our monasteries offer, and throughout the meeting there was a strong emphasis on the spiritual dimension of our guest houses.

A key theme that emerged was the importance of balance: between silence and opportunities for sharing, and between group retreats and individual retreats. These are live and ongoing questions for guestmasters and guestmistresses, as we seek to respond faithfully to the needs of those who come to our monasteries.

The Benedictine understanding of hospitality shaped our discussions throughout the meeting, echoing the words of the Rule of St Benedict:

“All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ.”
(Rule of St Benedict, Chapter 53)

There was much insightful and beneficial sharing from all the participants. The Kylemore community were themselves most generous and hospitable hosts. Sister Josephine did a wonderful job organising the conference, and her contributions to the discussions were invaluable.

Alongside the meetings, we enjoyed time together exploring the beauty and history of Kylemore Abbey, including a tour of the Castle and the Gothic Church with an excellent guide, and a walk to the walled garden.

It was a most enjoyable and enriching meeting, strengthening our shared commitment to welcoming guests in the spirit of the Benedictine tradition.

–Sister Marie and Sister Angela