More than 1,000 people are expected to attend a special Mass at Mount Melleray Abbey in Waterford this weekend.

The Mass will take place on Sunday, September 20th and will be celebrated by the Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Alphonsus Cullinan.

It comes almost two years after the historic abbey closed to the public and following its conversion into the Irish campus of US-based Ave Maria University.

Mount Melleray Abbey, near Cappoquin, closed in January 2025 after almost two centuries.

The site is now being used as an international instructional campus by Ave Maria University as part of a partnership with the Cistercians.

The university says more than 1,000 people are expected to attend Sunday’s Mass, including members of the local community, guests and donors.

Those planning to attend have been asked to register in advance, although organisers have warned that an RSVP does not guarantee a seat due to expected demand.