New Year’s Message from the Abbot of Glenstal

Dear Friend, 

Very few of us will ever forget the year that has just passed. The year 2020 has left its mark on our lives in so many ways and it is hard to believe that we are facing into the coming year in a level five lockdown. How many of us would have thought last spring that we would still be in this situation at the start of 2021? With the arrival of the vaccine, however, there is hope on the horizon and the coming year is not shaping up to be a simple repeat of the year just past. 

As we end a very difficult twelve months and look forward in hope to the New Year, I want to send you the grateful thanks and prayers of the monastic community for your support over this difficult period. So many of you have been in touch with us to say how much you appreciate participating in our liturgical celebrations via the webcam; the podcasts; online retreats and YouTube videos of the brethren. We in the community greatly appreciate your continued encouragement and support. 

I wish all of you and your loved ones every blessing for 2021 and I invite you to join with me in remembering the vulnerable among us, especially those who are ill or in hospital. We ask God, who is good, to be close to all who are in need at this time. We remember too all those who have gone to their eternal reward in this past year and those they have left behind. Finally, with gratitude and hope we offer our thanks to all those who are working to combat this virus and keep us safe. With a sense of joy we look forward to this coming year, our hearts filled with hope and trust. 

With every blessing for a peaceful and safe New Year,

Brendan Coffey OSB

Abbot of Glenstal Abbey

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