The new abbot of Mount St Joseph Abbey, Roscrea, the Right Rev Dom Laurence Walsh OCSO, was installed during an open-air ceremony at the abbey yesterday. The abbatial blessing was imparted by the Bishop of Killaloe, Dr Willie Walsh, a first cousin of the new abbot.
Dom Laurence, who was elected abbot in June, succeeds the Right Rev Dom Colmcille O'Toole who had been abbot at Roscrea, Co Tipperary, since 1964 and was among the longest-serving abbots in the Cistercian Order. From Ballintubber, Co Mayo, he retired on reaching the 75-year age limit.
About 1,000 people, including local residents and representatives of religious orders, gathered for the ceremony. The Birr and Roscrea community choir joined monks from the abbey to sing at the ceremony, which was open to the whole community.
Born in Roscrea in 1929, Dom Laurence is the first native of the town to become head of the community at Mount St Joseph since it was established in 1878.
He was educated at the Cistercian College, Roscrea, and entered Mount St Joseph in August 1946. He was prior and novice master between 1960 and 1981.
The Cistercian Order came to Ireland in the 12th century at the behest of St Malachy of Armagh. Last year 900th anniversary celebrations of the founding of the order took place at the abbey and were attended by past pupils of the Cistercian College.
Yesterday's celebrations also marked the feast of St Bernard, one of the founders of the order.