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| In high spirits! |
51 members of our branch were
accorded a warm
welcome from the monks of Glenstall on our recent visit to the Abbey. It was
home to the Barrington family until they sold the property in 1926. Benedictine
life began here in 1927 with the arrival
of five monks from Maredsous in Belgium. Over the main arch of the Abbey bronze
letters proclaim the motto PAX, meaning peace.
A monastery is a place where peace reigns, where the monks practice
fraternal charity towards one another and to all with whom they come in
contact.
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| Entrance to the Abbey |
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| Pat & Nora Duddy |
After we attended Mass with the monks and
listened to Gregorian Chant in Latin you feel that this space is a place apart
where people find peace, quiet, recollection and ultimately, God. As brother
Cuthbert said,’ Joy is the response to finding your rightful place in life.”
We visited the 17th century tiered,
walled garden. In 1990 the top two terraces were redesigned as a Bible Garden,
one in which the plants, flowers and shrubs mentioned in scripture may be
found. The ‘Lady Garden’ named after
Lady Charlotte Barrington, wife of Sir Matthew (1788-1861) who built Genstal is
a peaceful oasis. 16 silver birch trees have been planted to commemorate the
men executed in 1916 Easter Rising. Another tree has been added in memory of Winnie
Barrington who was the accidental victim of an IRA ambush in May 1921 in the
vicinity of the nearby town of Newport.
Icon Chapel:
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| Ladies Garden |
In the crypt of the church one finds several
Russian and Greek Icons. It is an unique sacred place which reminds us that
Monasticism has its roots in the Christian East. The icons depicting Christ,
his Mother, the feasts of the Church and the saints are sacred symbols through
which Christ manifests his presence to us and invites us to respond to his
love.
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| Sisters having a relaxing day. |
There are 35 monks living in the monastery.
They are involved in the education of boys in the adjacent private school.
Presently 186 boys are boarding at the school. Fees for boarders are 18,000
euro and 10,000 for day pupils. Throughout the year Glenstall hosts lectures,
workshops, retreats, concerts and more. The monastery guesthouse is available
to guests who wish to spend some quiet time and attend the liturgies in the
Abbey Church.
This is indeed the place to recharge the
batteries and refresh the spirit.
King John’s Castle
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| Marie Lydon & Sr Michael |
After a delicious lunch at Glenstal we
journeyed to King John’s Castle located on King’s Island in Limerick City, next
to the majestic River Shannon. Using innovative techniques it brings to life
over 800 years of siege, warfare and dramatic local history. In the courtyard
we explored the blacksmith’s forge, armory room, masons quarters and the long
Great Hall. We all found something to inspire and excite us from opening
discovery drawers, watching audio visuals as well as reading the detailed accounts
of history aided by colourful illustrations.
We were not disappointed.
Mary Kyne,
April 2016