"In Coenaculo" - Silverstream Priory (November-December 2015) | страница 3

After careful study, consultation, and reflection, we have chosen not to renovate Silverstream’s existing small church built in 1952 under the direction of the Brothers of Saint John of God. The required renovation would be nearly as costly as the construction of a new monastic church, and the final result would not be adequate for our needs. Putting all our trust in Divine Providence and in the generosity of our friends, we have decided, instead, to build a new monastic church spacious enough to meet the needs of our growing community and to accommodate the faithful who frequent the monastery for Holy Mass, the Divine Office, and adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Wicklow-based architect Adrian Buckley has drawn up plans for the urgent and long-overdue renovation of the kitchen and adjacent areas, and for the construction of suitable monastic cells and sanitation facilities in the main house. Related to this project is the construction of a beautiful cloister quadrangle that will unite the guesthouse and main house. It remains for me, dear friends of Silverstream Priory, to assure you of our heartfelt gratitude and of a remembrance in our prayers each day. Our monastic adventure is daunting, but we place our hope in the word of the Angel to Our Lady: «No word shall be impossible with God» (Luke 1:37). Thank you for supporting what God is doing at Silverstream. Dom Mark Daniel Kirby, prior Archmandrite Abba Yohannes Kebede Amsalu, official representative of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Ireland, with the Silverstream community. The Monks at the Baptismal Font of St Paul’s Church, Arran Quay, at which Blessed Columba Marmion was baptised on 6 April 1858. From an Irish Priest Retreatant M for these past five wonderful days of peace, prayer, illumination and spiritual joy. It has been a great privilege to participate in your monastic life, and to enjoy your bounteous hospitality. I go away refreshed in body, soul and spirit to tend with renewed vigour the vineyard of the Lord. What He is achieving through you and your community is truly remarkable. Never did I imagine that I would one day find in my native county a monastic house to rival in the beauty of its Liturgy and the devotion of its monks — if not yet in number, the greatest abbeys of France. I feel sure that He who has begun this excellent work will continue to bless you in many and marvellous ways. Not without trials, of course! But stand firm, and you will see the salvation of the Lord. y profoundest thanks