In order for monks to live by their hospitality rules, they now have guesthouses to accommodate their visitors. Ali Bracken reports
With every day, the pace of life seems to become more hectic. For many, the chance to take some time out is a welcome escape and the benefits can continue long after the holiday ends. "We try to keep every minute occupied so we don't have time to think too deeply," says Dom Kevin Daly, abbot of Mount St Joseph Abbey in Roscrea, Co Tipperary. "Coming to stay in our guesthouse gives people an opportunity to stay still and not to be afraid of stillness. It gives people time to listen with the ear of one's heart."
In the sixth century, St Benedict wrote guidelines for monks to live by and, 15 centuries on, they are still adhered to. Guests who present themselves at monasteries must always be received, says one rule. As a consequence, 10 monasteries in Ireland have established guesthouses to welcome their visitors.
The order of Cistercian monks at Mount St Joseph Abbey is one such monastery. "Hotels have only been around for the past 100 years or so," says 29-year-old Fr Richard, a monk at the Abbey. "Before that, all pilgrims and those travelling stayed in monasteries. It's only that life has got so hectic that we have to set aside time for retreats and even holidays."
Partially self-sufficient, the Abbey includes a boys' secondary boarding school, Cistercian College, which caters for 300 students and this year celebrates its centenary. The Abbey also runs two farms - a dairy and beef cattle farm - as well as a guesthouse retreat with 24 en suite rooms.
"We are open to people of all levels of faith and no faith at all," says Dom Kevin. "Our doors are also open to all denominations."
The Abbey is situated on 800 acres of land on the Tipperary/Offaly border. While many guests are drawn to the Abbey for prayerful purposes, those who perhaps aren't religiously inclined can pass much of their stay taking in the Abbey's extensive grounds, which encompass a forest. It is a popular spot for both groups on retreat and individuals seeking some time out.
The weekend I visited the Abbey, visitors included members of the ecumenical inter-church fellowship Oak House, based in Galway, on their annual retreat. "We've been coming here every year since we established the inter-church fellowship 10 years ago. The monks are very open-minded to the ecumenical idea," says Claire Besnyoe, a co-founder of Oak House. The retreat to the Abbey is an important date on their calendar, she explains. "We get the opportunity to talk between churches and further our ecumenical dialogue. We explore in depth what divides us and makes us the same."
One reason the Abbey is popular with groups on retreat is because the guesthouse provides a lecture room with overhead projectors so groups can structure their days. "I just find it such a prayerful setting," says Brigid O'Higgins, who also co-founded Oak House. "I learn more about religion coming away from here."
While the Oak House group have a schedule , others prefer to come individually with no plans except for some quiet time. A middle-aged Dublin man, who I met at dinner time, is one such person. "I came across this place about 12 years ago by accident," he says. "When I first started coming here, I was at a bad point in my life. I was travelling in the wrong direction and I found that coming here helped, so I'm still coming back."
Visitors staying in the guesthouse are free to join the 24 monks who live in the Abbey at the various prayer services throughout the day. The first prayers, vespers, begin at 4am each day. "People can come and celebrate the Divine Office with us seven times a day, or not at all. Although few make the 4am vespers," says Dom Kevin with a smile. "We don't ask people where they came from or why they're here. People come here for different reasons, so we let everyone do their own thing."
Visitors can meet one of the monks for a chat about monastic life, says Dom Kevin, and anyone wishing to make their confession can do so. There is a library in the guesthouse and a lift for elderly or disabled guests. Simple, tasty food is provided three times a day and visitors are free to make a donation when leaving the Abbey's guesthouse, the suggested amount being €50 per night.
"Coming away from here, I hope people have experienced peace in their lives," Dom Kevin adds. "I hope they feel equipped to face back to the hustle and bustle."
Fr Tom Coyle, parish priest in Galmoy, Co Kilkenny, visits the Abbey whenever he feels the need to recharge his batteries. One benefit of getting away, he says, is the opportunity to catch up on some reading without the distraction of television, of which there is none in the guesthouse. "You could walk for miles too," he adds. "It feels closer to creation somehow and it leaves me spiritually refreshed."
There is also a social element that appeals to Fr Tom. "I always meet such a variety of people here, from different nationalities and denominations - the Oak House group here at the moment is a perfect example. I've met people here I might never otherwise come across."
The guesthouse closes its doors at 9.30pm and visitors are asked to remain quiet for the rest of the night, out of courtesy for anyone planning to rise for 4am vespers. The monks themselves maintain a vow of silence from 8pm to 7am as well as setting aside various times for meditation and prayer throughout the day.
Dom Kevin is hopeful that as the Cistercian College celebrates its centenary this year, many past pupils will return to visit the school and stay a night or two. "Hospitality is a very important part of our mission, both to strangers and friends. What we hope we're doing is creating a safe environment in a modern world."