We welcome women aged 19 – 40 who are discerning God’s call to visit Glencairn Abbey to find out more about Cistercian life at Glencairn. Meet our community and experience the rhythm of monastic life with our balance of prayer, work, and contemplation. Talk to a sister for vocation guidance. Take some quiet time in the […]
The following article, written by Sr Laura appeared recently in the March-April edition of ‘Living City’ a magazine produced bi-monthly by Focolare Media. The paths around our monastery are strewn with leaves and the air is cold. As I meander around the barren branches of trees all I can hear is the silence of the […]
‘The Joy of God’ This book, written by Sr Mary David Totah and with a forward by Erik Varden, bishop of Trondheim (Norway), was eagerly received by the Glencairn Community. Find the review here!
Over a thousand friends and visitors of Mount Melleray Abbey flocked to attend a Thanksgiving Mass on January 25th, to say goodbye to the monks as they prepared for their departure to Roscrea. The Thanksgiving Mass, celebrated by Dom Eamon, former Abbot of Mt Melleray and Abbot General of the Cistercian Order, was concelebrated by […]
In response to requests for book recommendations received by various members of the Glencairn Community, we hope to post a series of book reviews over the next couple of months by Sisters at all stages of the monastic journey i.e. from postulant to Abbess. For your convenience, these will be made accessible here: https://www.glencairnabbey.org/bookreviews/ The […]
On the evening of Saturday 11th January, we were delighted to welcome another visit by the Lismore choir, who upheld a long standing tradition of sharing some highlights from their Christmas programme with the Community. This year’s recital featured both traditional and less well known music, including excerpts from Handel’s Messiah, a unique piece […]
On the great Feast of the Holy Founders of our Order, a sister in formation was invited by the Abbess to share the following reflection with the Community at chapter: Every Monday morning for the past year, Mother Marie and I have been studying the Exordium Course compiled by Fr Michael Casey OCSO on the […]
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 […]
Just before Christmas, our sisters in formation, together with Mother Marie and Sr Mairéad, novice director, attended Nine Lessons and Carols at the Church of Ireland Cathedral in Lismore. One carol in particular gave rise to a reflection for one of our young Sisters. She writes: The hymn See Him Lying on a Bed of Straw, […]
The following reflection was given by M Marie at the annual carol service in St Carthage’s Cathedral, Lismore on the fourth Sunday of Advent and later shared with the Community at Chapter on Christmas Eve: Dear Friends, Each week I have the privilege of giving a class in the novitiate and over the past […]
The Abbess and Community send very best wishes for an abundance of joy and peace this Christmas to all our, neighbours, relatives and friends. We look forward to welcoming all who wish to join us for our liturgies in the abbey church over the Christmas period. Christmas Schedule for December 24th – 25th 4.45 pm: […]
Pictured on the evening of Saturday, November 30th, Marlena, the newest member of the Community, lights the first candle of the Advent wreath, prior to the commencement of Vespers. The appearance of the wreath, earnestly anticipated by the Community, signifies both the beginning of a new liturgical year and a special time for reflection and […]
