July 16 – Solemnity of Church Dedication and Foundation

Today we will celebrate the Solemnity of the Dedication of the New Melleray Abbey Church. Our beautiful church is the product of two years of major renovations to the existing building and was consecrated on this date in 1976. Not coincidentally, today also marks the Anniversary of New Melleray’s 1849 foundation by monks from Mount Melleray Abbey in Ireland.

Our sisters from Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey will join us for the celebration. We will share a festive picnic style midday meal with joyful conversation. Weather permitting we will resume our annual tradition of playing badminton or volleyball. (Weather did not permit last year.)

from The Roman Missal English Translation According to the Third Typical Edition

from Common of the Dedication of a Church

Collect

O God, who year by year renew for us the day

when this your holy temple was consecrated,

hear the prayers of your people

and grant that in this place

for you there may always be pure worship

and for us, fullness of redemption.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.