Monastery on Mull earns cash backing
A PLEA for cash to support the purchase of a monastic house on the Ross of Mull has already had worldwide support.
A group called the Orthodox Monastery of All Celtic Saints has purchased Oran-na-Mara (Song of the Sea) near Bunessan on Mull to establish a presence on the island while they convert an ancient church at the other side of the island.
A spokesman for the Orthodox Monastery of All Celtic Saints said: ‘Buying Oran-na-Mara will allow us to move to the island and finally restart.
‘It will also take away the pressure concerning building at Kilninian – although a monastic community on the historical site of the ancient Celtic monastery remains our priority and spiritual duty to the Celtic Saints. We can now achieve this aim in time, as we slowly raise the necessary funds.
‘Oran-na-Mara is large enough to function as a temporary monastic house for the first few years, until we obtain all the funds and building permits we need to build in the national heritage area at Kilninian.
‘We do not want to hurry. Kilninian is a treasure, and we want to make sure that the new building not only safeguards the future of this treasure, but also enhances its cultural and historical value.
‘ We have already invested large amounts in repairing and restoring Kilninian, so it may be preserved for the next generation.
‘It is only natural to do our absolute best to also ensure that the new building fits perfectly with the local architectural heritage.
‘That takes time and money, and having Oran-na-Mara takes both those pressures away.
‘In time, God will provide both the donors and the best possible building plan.’