CHRONICLE OF A PRECIOUS OASIS

VALERIE O’SULLIVAN’S NEW BOOK OFFERS AN STUNNING VIEW INTO LIFE AT GLENCAIRN ABBEY

THE work of acclaimed Kerry photographer Valerie O’Sullivan, a regular contributor to the pages of The Kerryman, brings unrivalled colour to “A Year in the Life of Glencairn Abbey”, a newly released book offering a rare insight into the world of St Mary’s Abbey Glencairn Abbey, Waterford.

The only Cistercian Monastery for women in Ireland, the Sisters live out their lives through work and prayer according to the Rule of St Benedict. The book will also act as a fund-raiser for a recent building project at the Abbey, and the renowned photographer was beaming with positivity as she looked back at the project:

“The friendship and fun I’ve had with the sisters of Glencairn is an absolute privilege, going back many years of photographing the sisters for different publications,” Valerie said.

“While on a visit to photograph the abbey with Mairead Lavery for the Christmas edition of Irish Country Living in 2016, we were informed of the great need of fundraising to complete phase three of their building project. It was afterwards while Sr Sarah and I were chatting about fundraising ideas, that suddenly the notion of a book ensued. Over the past 12 months the visible change of seasons has been compelling and the abbey and its environs have never disappointed, teeming as it does with colour and life... it has been my pleasure to contribute to this book for Glencairn Abbey.”

Available in bookshops nationwide, the book is retailing for €24.99.

By Valerie O’Sullivan Sr Angela lights the fifth candle at first Vespers of Christmas. The symbolism of light goes back to the pre-Christian winter solstice festival, the date on which the sun, at its weakest, begins to revive and grow stronger and brighter.Photos

Farm manager Sr Lily Scullion making her way through the Abbey’s miscanthus crop, harvested for its use as a bio-mass to heat the monastery.

Former Mother Abbess at Glencairn Sr Agnes O’Shea enjoying some well-deserved reading time under the blossoms of the monastic gardens. Sr Agnes, who celebrated her diamond jubilee in 2013, is beloved by all for her gentle demeanour and deep compassion,...

Sr Sarah Branigan among the bluebells on the Glencairn grounds. Sr Sarah is now vocations director at St Mary’s Abbey, having entered the Benedictine life aged 28 after a career in the media. Sr Sarah said it took her two years after her initial visit...

Sr Marie Therese Brosnan delights Caitlin Barrywith a flurry of bubbles in the Abbey garden. Caitlin was on one of her many visits to the Abbey as her Granny, Nellie O’Donovan works in the Eucharist Bread Department. Photo:Valerie O’Sullivan

Horticulture expert St Fiachra tending to her crop of peaches in the greenhouse.

Kate and Sr Denise returning from a morning’s gardening laden with their tools.