July 16 – Foundation and Dedication
Today we 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. Our liturgy schedule will be altered as a result.
- 11:45 am – The Office of Sext will be celebrated by the community privately within the monastery with the sisters of OLM.
- 2:00 pm – The Office of None will be celebrated by the community privately within the monastery with the sisters of OLM.
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.