BREAKING: Sadness in Roscrea as Cistercian monks prepare to relocate after nearly 150 years

There has been widespread sadness in Roscrea following confirmation that the Cistercian community at Our Lady of Silence Abbey is to relocate to Mellifont Abbey, bringing to an end a monastic presence in the town that dates back to 1878.

Reacting to the news, Fintan Monahan said he learned “with great sadness” of the decision taken by the monks of Our Lady of Silence Abbey (formerly Mount St Joseph’s Abbey).

Since its foundation, the abbey has been “an integral part of the pastoral life” of the Diocese of Killaloe, he said, adding that it holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Roscrea.

He noted the deep connection between the monastery and Cistercian College Roscrea, which has operated on the abbey grounds since 1905. Generations of pupils and staff have been associated with the school, which is widely respected across the country for both its academic standards and strong sporting tradition.

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Bishop Monahan said he and the diocese were grateful that the Cistercians will continue as patrons of the college, ensuring that the distinctive Cistercian spirit will remain at the heart of school life.

The abbey has also played a significant role in the spiritual life of the Church in the region. Bishop Monahan said countless people had deepened their faith through their interactions with the monastery, whether through retreats or time spent at the abbey’s guesthouse.

“The constant availability of the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the abbey has been a great source of sólás for many,” he said.

He also reflected on the lasting influence of figures associated with the community, including Eugene Boylan, a former abbot whose writings on prayer and spirituality continue to be read internationally.

While acknowledging the sense of disappointment felt locally, Bishop Monahan said he understood that the decision followed a prolonged period of prayerful discernment and reflected the rationalisation currently taking place in many areas of Church life.

He expressed sincere gratitude to Dom Rufus and all members of the Cistercian community, past and present, for their “prayerful, contemplative and pastoral presence” in the diocese over many generations.

Bishop Monahan concluded by referencing the motto of the college: Insideat coelis animo sed corpore terris, meaning “with the mind fixed on heaven, the body dwelling on earth”.

“May the monks continue to offer a prayerful and pastoral witness to Jesus Christ for as long as they remain in Ireland,” he said.