Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live in a monastery?
From August 24-30, nine women had that opportunity as part of the “Monastic for a Week” experience.
Their daily schedule involved joining the Benedictines of the Monastery of the Immaculate Conception at Kylemore Abbey for the hours of the Divine Office and Mass, as well as performing work along the sisters and attending conferences where they learned about the Rule of St. Benedict and monastic practices.
Their comments show how much they appreciated the chance for quiet, reflection and learning about the sisters and themselves.
- I came to Kylemore expecting to learn about Benedictine life, but left having learned just as much about myself, with a new appreciation for slowing down, listening and simply being present.
- The week has been such an enriching experience. I have learned so much from the sisters during my time here. The time was well structured by Sister Jeanne, with reflection time scheduled during in which to explore the beautiful grounds. There is a beauty and stillness here that inculcates spiritual calm.
- No words will do justice to the hospitality and generosity of all the nuns and volunteers in Kylemore Abbey. I would encourage everyone, discerning or not, to join the monastic experience, because we all can learn and apply something from the way the Benedictines live in our own life.
- It has been a gift to enter into the lives of the sisters here in Kylemore Abbey. The peacefulness and liturgies will stay with me as I enter back into daily life.
- This experience helped me to learn more about myself and my faith. I will bring a lot of what I learned to my daily life.
- What an incredible week, with the amazing nuns who welcomed us into their beautiful home and beautiful way of life. This is a week I will never forget, and will be wanting to re-live for as long as I can.
- My time with the Benedictine community was so enriching. I deeply enjoyed and found value in the rhythm of prayer, daily work and contemplation. I would recommend it to all who want to engage more deeply with their faith.
- I experienced a totally different way of living – tranquil, ordered, and deliberate. A wonderfully liberating experience.
