New abbot of Mount St Joseph

Dom Laurence Walsh OCSO will be installed as the new abbot of Mount St Joseph Abbey, Roscrea, Co Tipperary, at an open-air ceremony…

Dom Laurence Walsh OCSO will be installed as the new abbot of Mount St Joseph Abbey, Roscrea, Co Tipperary, at an open-air ceremony at the abbey tomorrow.

The abbatial blessing will be imparted by the Bishop of Killaloe, Dr Willie Walsh, who is a cousin of the new abbot. Dom Laurence was elected abbot in June in succession to Dom Colmcille O'Toole OCSO, who had been abbot since 1964.

Tomorrow is the feast day of St Bernard, one of the founders of the Cistercian order, more than 900 years ago. The ceremonies begin at 3 p.m. and a large attendance is expected to join the community.