Distilling the essence of life made pure

I’M in St Mary’s Abbey, at Glencairn, near Lismore, Co Waterford, which is home to 36 monastic nuns.

Distilling the essence of life made pure

Awaiting the arrival of Abbess Sr Mary Fahy in the kitchen, I’m lamenting the colour of the walls (flesh), and thinking how the human heart finds its home in some very peculiar places.

There are 1,800 Cistercian monastic nuns worldwide. “A strange rare breed,” is how Sr Lily, a farmer with a gift for epigram, puts it later.

Already a subscriber? Sign in

You have reached your article limit.

Unlimited access. Half the price.

Annual €130 €65

Best value

Monthly €12€6 / month

More in this section

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited