Glencairn Novitiate Hike at Mt Melleray

It’s a monastic tradition at Glencairn for the Novitiate to ‘take a hike’ from Mt Melleray Abbey which lies at the foot of the Knockmealdown mountains.  This year’s trip included juniors, Sisters Angela and Liz, Kate our Postulant, together with two women staying with us on a monastic experience, discerning their Cistercian vocation.  Sr Sarah accompanied the group.  Leaving Glencairn early on a sunny summer morning, we were well directed on our route by Fr Denis Luke, guestmaster monk at Mt Melleray.  The hike took us five hours to the top and back down in time for Vespers in the Abbey church with the community.  We were very grateful to join guests for a hot supper in the monastery guesthouse afterwards, completing a fun and reinvigorating day on the hills.