Ave Maria University to Mark New Chapter at Historic Mount Melleray Abbey With Mass Sept. 20

Ave Maria University will join the Cistercian community and friends of Mount Melleray Abbey in County Waterford, Ireland, for a special Mass on Sunday, Sept. 20, beginning at 10:30 a.m. local time, marking a new chapter in the long history of the Abbey.

Home to a Cistercian monastic community for almost 200 years, Mount Melleray Abbey now enters a new chapter through a partnership between the Cistercian community and Ave Maria University. Building upon the Abbey’s enduring tradition of prayer, work and hospitality, the partnership will see Mount Melleray welcome Ave Maria University students as part of the University’s new Ireland study-abroad programme beginning this autumn.

The Mass will bring together Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, the Cistercian community, Ave Maria University-affiliated guests, local and national representatives, and the people of Cappoquin and neighbouring towns.

The occasion will mark the development of Ave Maria University’s partnership with the Cistercian community to help preserve Mount Melleray Abbey’s unique spiritual and cultural heritage while supporting its continuing life as a place of prayer, study and hospitality. Beginning this autumn, Ave Maria University students will live and study at Mount Melleray as part of the University’s semester-long Ireland programme.

Following the Mass, guests will be invited to a reception at the community centre near the Abbey. The reception will include fellowship, remarks, and an opportunity for guests to meet University representatives, students and others connected with the Ireland programme.

“Mount Melleray Abbey has been a place of prayer and hospitality for generations, and we are honoured to have the opportunity to contribute to the next chapter in its remarkable history,” said Daniel C. Schreck, Chief Strategy Officer for Ave Maria University, who has led the University’s involvement in the project from its beginnings. “The Abbey forms part of the cultural and spiritual heritage of Ireland, and we take very seriously the responsibility entrusted to us through our partnership with the Cistercian community. The Mass on September 20 represents an important moment for the Cistercians, Ave Maria University, and our many friends in Ireland as we work together to preserve the living tradition of Mount Melleray. We look forward to welcoming students, friends and pilgrims and to beginning this new chapter together.”

The new partnership represents a continuation of Mount Melleray’s longstanding role as a spiritual, cultural and communal presence in West Waterford and beyond. Working in partnership with the Cistercian community, Ave Maria University seeks to respect and preserve the Abbey’s distinctive heritage while contributing to its future as a place welcoming students, pilgrims, visitors and the local community.

The Mass marking this new chapter at Mount Melleray Abbey is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20. Special seating will be available for invited guests and those affiliated with Ave Maria University and its Ireland programme.

For more information about Ave Maria University’s Ireland programme, visit the University’s Ireland programme webpage.