Mags Gargan
The Bishop of Meath has signed a decree to establish what is believed to be the first new monastery in the diocese since the suppression of the monasteries by Henry VIII.
Bishop Michael Smith presided at the canonical establishment of the monastery at Silverstream Priory on Saturday, “erecting the Benedictine Monks of Perpetual Adoration of the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar as a monastic Institute of Consecrated Life of diocesan right in the Diocese of Meath”.
Bishop Smith said he was “delighted to recognise the unique presence of this new monastery in the Diocese of Meath. Through their prayer, study and hospitality, the monks are ‘speaking to the heart’ and their quiet witness is a reminder that the Lord continues to provide the Church with new gifts and grace.”
Silverstream is home to a community of eight male religious who follow the Rule of St Benedict.
The community came from Tulsa, USA in 2012 and occupies the former residence of the Visitation Sisters in Stamullen, Co. Meath.