Community Life
Prayer, Reading, Work—these are the elements which make up the life of a Cistercian Monk. They are lived out in the context of a specific community to which he engages himself in a life-long commitment by his vow of ‘stability’. It is this community dimension which is the other characteristic element of our life. To be a monk is to be a brother among brothers in a living and human community where friendship, mutual help, and support, play a vital role. It is within this context that we are called to grow in the gift of ourselves to God in obedience and conversion of life, poverty and chastity. Such a way of life demands great generosity and renunciation of oneself: its fruit is deep joy and peace.
We welcome inquiries about our monastic way of life. St.Benedict has a number of criteria for admitting candidates to the community: Is the person truly seeking God; is he drawn to prayer and praise; does he show eagerness for the Work of God; willingness for humble obedience and a capacity to accept life’s inevitable ups and downs.
A candidate should enjoy good health of mind and body and in general be between 25 and 45 years of age. A secondary education and work experience would be an advantage. He needs to be a practising Roman Catholic with a reasonable grounding in his faith.

Inquiries should be directed to:

Mellifont Abbey
Collon,
Co. Louth,
Ireland
Tel: (041) 9826103
Email: mellifontabbey@eircom.net