French Scouts at Glencairn

This past week it has been a pleasure to welcome a group of French Scouts to Glencairn. The young men, mostly in their late teens and early twenties, made a home in their tents in the monastery fields, before heading off today to continue their journey in Kerry.

They have thrown themselves into life here with enthusiasm, sharing in the rhythm of prayer and community, while also taking on plenty of outdoor work around the monastery grounds, and singing with us at Mass. There is something very fitting about that combination. The Cistercian way is one of prayer, chant and manual labour, and it has been lovely to be united with the scouts in this joy.

Their good humour, generosity and openness have been a gift to us. Their faith is beautifully alive as they search for lives of purpose, service and friendship.

May God bless them on the road ahead, and may they always find a welcome here.