The historic and much-loved Mount Melleray Abbey in West Waterford is set to be vacated in late January as part of a consolidation process by the Cistercians pending future decisions.
A statement to WLR this morning (Friday) confirmed the decision has been taken "regretfully" and "in accordance with the restrictions of our present resources".
The statement said that with effect from 26th January 2025, three Cistercian communities, including Mount Melleray will be based, for an interim period, at Roscrea.
This new community has been given the name of ‘The Abbey of Our Lady of Silence’, and its residency at Roscrea, is described as "an interim measure".
In a statement, Fr Rufus Pound said the new community will take time to consider how it will develop and where it will ultimately reside on a permanent basis.
Fr Pound describes the current situation as "a difficult time for all the members of our new community as we strive to meet the challenge of our present day realities".
A future decision will be made on the long term location of the new community.
(The full statement can be found on wlrfm.com)
This morning on 'Deise Today', Damien spoke to the chair of Melleray Community Centre, Mike O'Rourke, about how the news is being received in the local community.
You can listen back to the chat by clicking on the image above.
