The Benedictine Community at Kylemore Abbey from 1920 – present
In 1920, The Irish Benedictine Nuns purchased Kylemore Castle along with 10,000 acres for a little over £45,000. Some of the lands were later purchased by the Land Commission and divided out among the tenants, and the Castle was converted into an Abbey.
The Community had originally been based in Ypres but had to leave after their Abbey was destroyed in the early days of World War I. They first took refuge in England and later in Co Wexford, before eventually settling in Kylemore in December 1920. At Kylemore, the nuns opened an international boarding school and established a day school for local girls. They also ran a farm and guesthouse; the guesthouse was closed after a devastating fire in 1959.
Although the guest house was never reopened, the romantic setting of Kylemore Abbey has continued to attract visitors to its door. Over the years, the Nuns graciously opened the estate to the education and enjoyment of all who visit, developing excellent facilities as well as restoring and conserving the many historical features.
The Benedictine Community have released a new book ‘A Light to the World – Reflections from Kylemore Abbey’ Prayers from the heart of the beautiful Connemara Countryside…..
Nearly 150 years ago the Manchester Unitarian Mitchell Henry conceived the vision of Kylemore Castle. He dedicated his life and fortune to creating both a beautiful home for his family and friends, against the backdrop of the stark beauty of barren mountains, bogs and lakes, and a social structure that would serve the human needs of the wide community of his tenants and employees.
50 years later, a community of Benedictine Nuns (The Irish Dames of Ypres) moved into Kylemore. In the course of 100 years, the castle became a Benedictine monastery, an abbey, its life imbued with the ancient Christian traditions of prayer, meditation, hospitality and generous service, especially of the women of the region.
This book reflects the prayer of the nuns throughout the year, as they follow the unfolding liturgical cycle, parallel to the seasons. Evocative photographs from the grounds of the Abbey lead in to meditation and prayer. A selection of psalms from the daily office of the nuns gives words with which the reader can reach out to the Creator, responding to the stirrings in the soul inspired by personal experience of natural beauty, life and human endeavour.
Available to buy from the Shop at Kylemore Abbey for €9.95
To Learn more about the Benedictine Community at Kylemore Abbey please click here...