Cistercian Order says move won’t affect school patronage

The Cistercian Order has reaffirmed its commitment to Cistercian College in Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, and will continue as patron as the monks prepare to relocate from Mount St Joseph to Mellifont Abbey in Co. Louth.

Cistercian Relocation and Continued Support for Roscrea School

The order announced this week its plans to establish Mellifont Abbey as its long-term home and sought to reassure the Roscrea community that the move will not impact the future of the secondary school. The Cistercians initially moved from Mount Melleray, Co. Waterford, to Roscrea on an interim basis last year due to declining vocations.

The decision to consolidate communities at Mellifont was reached through a vote among the monks. Fr. Donal Davis, Prior of Mount Melleray, explained that the time spent in Roscrea allowed for reflection and discussion, ultimately leading to the conclusion that Mellifont was the most suitable location.

“We have people interested in joining us but not enough to support three monasteries in the country,” Fr. Davis said, adding that consolidating into one community was deemed necessary to ensure the future of Cistercian life in Ireland.

While some monks expressed a desire to remain in Roscrea, the majority favored a permanent move to Mellifont, citing its smaller size and lower operating costs.

Cistercian College, located on the grounds of Mount Saint Joseph Abbey, has shared a history and heritage with the monastic community since 1905, a connection the order intends to maintain even after the monks’ departure.

College President Colm Maloney acknowledged the sadness surrounding the order’s decision but welcomed their continued patronage and trusteeship of the college. “Cistercian College stands on strong foundations and looks to the future with confidence and clarity,” he stated.

Maloney also noted that the college will begin welcoming girls in September, marking a new chapter in its evolution. He emphasized that the monks will continue to support the college’s journey.

Bishop of Waterford and Lismore Phonsie Cullinan recognized the hope for the Cistercians’ return to Mount Mellerary but expressed support for their return to Mellifont Abbey in Collon, the first Cistercian site in Ireland.

“The people all around Mount Mellerary and Roscrea are so utterly sad that the monks are leaving, but we have to respect their decision,” Bishop Cullinan said. He added that the Cistercian legacy will endure in Tipperary and Waterford through education, including a new campus for a US-based Catholic university at the former abbey in west Waterford.

Roscrea has a long monastic history, dating back to the late 6th century with the founding of a monastery by St. Cronan. The Cistercians have been present in the town since 1878.

Local residents expressed sadness at the monks’ departure, describing them as integral to the community. Dick Conroy commented, “It’s what you might call the end of an era,” while local historian George Cunningham stated, “The order is not just an institution, it’s Roscrea.”

The transition to Mellifont Abbey is expected to take place over the next 18 months, allowing for a proper farewell from Roscrea. Fr. Davis acknowledged the relocation will be challenging, emphasizing a prayerful and discerning approach to adapting Mellifont to the order’s needs.