Portglenone Abbey facts for kids
Our Lady of Bethlehem Abbey is a special place where monks live and pray. It's a Cistercian monastery located in Portglenone, a town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. This abbey was started in 1948 by monks from another abbey called Mount Melleray Abbey in County Waterford.
A Home for Monks
In 1948, the monks bought Portglenone House. This large country house was built around 1810. A bishop named Dr. Alexander built it after tearing down an old local castle. History books say that Sir Roger Casement, a famous person from the early 1900s, often stayed in this house.
Starting the monastery wasn't easy. Some local people were not happy about it at first. But the monks managed to settle in the area. For many years, they even ran a dairy farm. Our Lady of Bethlehem Abbey was the first enclosed monastery for men to open in Northern Ireland since the time of the Reformation. The Reformation was a big change in religion many centuries ago.
Life at the Abbey
The monks at this abbey belong to a group called the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance. They are also known as Trappists. They follow a set of rules called the Rule of St Benedict. These rules guide their daily lives.
Trappist monks live a very simple and disciplined life. They often keep strict silence. They also do not eat meat. They wake up very early in the morning to pray. Physical work is also a very important part of their day.
The Abbey Buildings
In the 1960s, the monks built a new monastery. A designer named Padraig Ó Muireadhaigh created the modern look. The building is so well designed that it has won several awards for its architecture.
To connect the new building with the long history of their order, the monks added something special. They used stones from very old Irish Cistercian abbeys. These older abbeys existed before the Reformation. These ancient stones are now part of the church and the cloisters. Cloisters are covered walkways, usually around a courtyard.
Abbots of the Abbey
The abbots are the leaders of the abbey. Here are some of the abbots who have guided Our Lady of Bethlehem Abbey:
- 1953 – Abbot Oliver Farrell (He was the Superior from 1948–1953)
- 1958 – Abbot Aengus Dunphy (1921–2014)
- 1977 – Abbot Celsus Kelly
- 2024 – Aelred Magee (He is the Superior ad Nutum, which means he is in charge for now)
See also
- Abbeys and priories in Northern Ireland (County Antrim)
