New Melleray’ Abbey’s 175th Anniversary
On July 16th New Melleray celebrated their 175th anniversary of foundation. It is the 2nd oldest Cistercian abbey in the United States. Gethsemani Abbey in Kentucky was founded a year earlier.
We celebrated the day with Eucharist at 10:30 AM with archbishop Thomas Zinkula presiding.
Mass was followed by a festive meal in the refectory. The sisters put on a very funny skit depicting New Melleray over the years using “talking” New Melleray stones to tell the story.
When the sisters arrived back at OLM abbey we were surprised by 175 roses placed in our refectory with a card that said 175 years for New Melleray and 175 roses for our sisters.