Initial Formation Course, 2026

For the first time ever (!), we recently hosted the 2026 Initial Formation Course for the Region of the Isles, welcoming participants from our own monastery, Mount St Bernard Abbey, Our Lady of Silence and the Monastery of Our Lady of Hyning.

This year’s course, Running with Expanded Hearts: What St Bernard of Clairvaux Teaches Us About Living a Magnanimous Life, was presented by Sr Grace Remington OCSO of Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey, Iowa, USA. Drawing on the life and writings of St Bernard, Sr Grace invited participants to reflect on the call to live with “largeness of soul” and to deepen the heart’s capacity for God.

The course explored St Bernard not only as a great spiritual writer, but also as a deeply human figure whose teaching continues to speak powerfully to Religious Life today. Through conferences and discussion, participants considered how the monastic journey expands the heart through prayer, charity, humility and perseverance.

Alongside the formal sessions, the week offered opportunities for friendship, shared prayer—with which our monastic choir was greatly enriched!—and discovering something of the rich spiritual heritage of Ireland. A highlight of the course was a day trip to Innisfallen Island, guided by archaeologist Tracy Collins, with special thanks also to Valerie O’Sullivan for her generous help in organising the visit and her beautiful photography. Participants also travelled to Ardmore, where Liam Suipéal led a memorable pilgrimage centred on St Declan and the witness of early Irish Christianity.

The atmosphere throughout the week was one of joyful fraternity and shared seeking after God.

We give thanks for a grace-filled week of study, prayer and community, and for all who contributed to making the course such a rich and memorable experience.