New Melleray: Cistercian Monks Receiving
All as Christ and Preferring Christ Above All

Contrary to rumors that are circulating, New Melleray Abbey did not close, and it has not been sold. To quote what Mark Twain said upon seeing the notice of his death in the paper: “The report of my death was an exaggeration.” The brothers are still here, fulfilling their daily round of prayer, work, and lectio.

Since we can no longer provide the support needed to form and nurture new members, we are no longer accepting applications to the novitiate.

In light of the limitations caused by the community’s increased aging and decreased membership, we are reviewing our monastic practices, and where appropriate, simplifying them so we can continue to live the Cistercian monastic life fully and faithfully. 

During the General Chapter of our Order in September, 2028, a vote will be taken concerning the future of New Melleray Abbey.

Until then, we will continue living our monastic life and serving the Archdiocese of Dubuque to the best of our ability.

As we continue our journey guided by the light of faith and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, we are depending on your love, support, and prayers.

Welcome to New Melleray Abbey. We are delighted that you are visiting our monastery.

New Melleray is a community of Roman Catholic monks. We belong to the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, commonly known as Trappists. Disciples of Jesus Christ, we join countless men and women who throughout fifteen hundred years have discovered the Rule of Saint Benedict to offer a challenging and effective way of living the Gospel. Our communal way of monastic life in the Cistercian tradition serves our desire to be wholly oriented to the experience of the living God.

Located southwest of Dubuque, Iowa, New Melleray was founded in 1849 by monks of our Order from Mount Melleray Abbey, Ireland. Like all monasteries, New Melleray Abbey is a school of charity. The monastery is a place where we learn to love God, to love ourselves, and to love each other. Together with its fertile farmland and rugged woodlands our monastery provides us with solitude and precious silence.

Through our guest house and other forms of monastic hospitality, we are happy to offer to our brothers and sisters who follow other paths, a place where they may find acceptance, peace, and prayer. Click on “Visit Us” for various ways to share in our way of life as a long-term guest living within the community.

With Trappist Caskets we support ourselves and supply employment to local men and women by making and selling simple wooden caskets and burial urns of exceptional quality.

Again, welcome to New Melleray’s home page. We invite you to explore our website to find out more about us. You might start by checking out one of these links.