The Cistercian Order has reaffirmed its dedication to its secondary school in Roscrea, Co Tipperary, and will continue as patron as the monks prepare to leave the monastery and relocate to Mellifont Abbey, reports RTE.
The order announced this week that it plans to make Mellifont Abbey in Co Louth its permanent home and assured the Cistercian College community in Roscrea that the move will not affect the school’s future, reports RTE.
The Cistercians relocated temporarily from Mount Melleray, Co Waterford, to Mount St Joseph in Roscrea last year due to declining vocations.
They have now decided to consolidate their communities at Mellifont Abbey in Louth, reports RTE.
Fr Donal Davis, Prior of Mount Melleray, explained that the move to Roscrea gave the monks time for reflection and “a guided discussion with the community,” leading to the conclusion that Mellifont would be the ideal location.
“We have people interested in joining us, but not enough to sustain three monasteries in Ireland,” Fr Davis said, “so we believe that, for the future of Cistercian life in Ireland, it was necessary to merge into one community,” reports RTE.
While many monks expressed a desire to remain in Roscrea, the majority supported the decision to relocate to Mellifont for a permanent stay.
“Mellifont is a smaller complex, and there are fewer overheads to cover,” he added, reports RTE.
Cistercian College is situated on the grounds of Mount Saint Joseph Abbey on the outskirts of Roscrea.
The school and monastic communities have shared a deep history and heritage since 1905, a connection that the order assures will endure even after the monks’ departure, reports RTE.
College President Colm Maloney expressed the school’s sorrow over the monks’ decision to leave but welcomed their ongoing role as patrons and trustees of the college.
“Cistercian College stands on strong foundations and looks to the future with confidence and clarity,” he said, reports RTE.
Mr Maloney added that while a page is turning with the monks’ departure, a new chapter begins as the school prepares to welcome girls for the first time in September.
“The story of Cistercian College Roscrea has evolved, but the monks will be with us on that journey and will support us for many years to come,” he said, reports RTE.
Bishop of Waterford and Lismore Phonsie Cullinan acknowledged the hope that the Cistercians might return to Mount Melleray, but he noted that it was fitting that they were moving back to Mellifont Abbey in Collon, which holds the distinction of being Ireland’s first Cistercian site.
“The people around Mount Melleray and Roscrea are deeply saddened by the monks’ departure, but we must respect their decision,” Bishop Cullinan said.
He emphasized that the Cistercian legacy would continue in Tipperary and Waterford, particularly through education, reports RTE.
A US-based Catholic university is set to establish a campus at the former Cistercian abbey in west Waterford.
“I am sure the people in Roscrea are eager to preserve what the monks have built, and the tradition will live on through the school and in Mount Melleray with the new Ave Maria University. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in the story of Mount Melleray,” the bishop said, reports RTE.
“It’s not over; it’s continuing,” he added, reports RTE.
Roscrea has been linked to monastic life for over a thousand years. The town’s origins date back to the late 6th century when St Cronan founded a monastery there.
A round tower and church remain as markers of the early monastic site.
The Cistercians have maintained their monastic presence in Roscrea since 1878, reports RTE.
Local residents speak fondly of the monks and have expressed deep sadness at their departure.
“It’s the end of an era,” said Dick Conroy, reports RTE.
“They’ve been such a part of the fabric of society. Even the monks themselves, you’d see them around town doing their shopping,” he added, reports RTE.
Local historian George Cunningham said the order “is not just an institution, it’s Roscrea”.
“We were proud that the Cistercians continued the monastic tradition in Roscrea,” Mr Cunningham said, reports RTE.
“It’s hard to imagine Roscrea without them,” he added, reports RTE.
The monks will complete their move to Mellifont Abbey over the next 18 months, giving them time to properly mark their departure from Roscrea.
Fr Davis acknowledged that the relocation will present challenges, reports RTE.
“We will approach it prayerfully, discerning God’s will and figuring out how to adapt Mellifont to meet our needs in the present,” he said, reports RTE.
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