Morning and evening prayer – Mon to Sat – 9.45 am and 6.00 pm
The tradition of the Catholic Church forms the basis of our prayer and is creatively adapted to the needs of today. Morning prayer and an evening reflection are offered in the Prayer Room of the Coach House daily.
Centering prayer – Thursday – 7.30 pm
A centering prayer group takes place in the Prayer Room each Thursday evening. It consists of two 20 minute periods of silent prayer, interspaced by five minutes of meditative walking. (For further information on centering prayer, visit www.contempativeoutreachireland.com).
Tranquillity Sunday – First Sunday of each month – 10.30 am-5.00 pm
A day of silent prayer takes place in the Coach House on the first Sunday of each month. This is an opportunity to celebrate the Sabbath in silence, prayer and rest and to experience the space and solitude offered by the Hermitage Centre.
The day begins with a short morning prayer. This is followed by periods of silent prayer. A long break at lunchtime allows pilgrims to rest, to walk, to contemplate nature, to reflect or pray as they choose, all in an atmosphere of silence and in the peaceful and beautiful surroundings of Glendalough. Further silent prayer takes place in the afternoon and the day closes with an evening reflection.
“Come to me … and you will find rest for your soul.” (Matt 11:27-30)
Visitors and guests are both most welcome to join with us in prayer at any of these times. Guests who join us for the Tranquility Sunday are asked to bring a packed lunch.
Guests staying in the hermitages are entirely free to decide whether to participate and to what extent. We deeply respect and honour the uniqueness of each person’s journey and the individual path we are each called to follow. The only requirement is that the atmosphere of silence is maintained.
“Let the beauty you love be what you do;
there are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.” (Rumi)
Spiritual accompaniment
In making a spiritual journey, it is sometimes helpful to have the support of a companion who can listen to what is going on for us and help to guide us in the exploration of the sacred in our lives and into a deeper relationship with God.
In the ancient Irish tradition of anam chara (soul friend), we at Glendalough Hermitage Centre provide this companionship and support when requested.
Spiritual accompaniment can take a number of different forms and can be availed of by people from all spiritual traditions. It encompasses spiritual direction, guidance around prayer/meditation or simple conversation about life and relationships. It can address issues such as how to pray, where God is in one’s life and one’s personal search for meaning. It is particularly helpful when one feels ‘stuck,’ when life is difficult and it is hard to see the way ahead. It takes place in the spirit of fellowship and in recognition of the fact that we are all journeying together.
To avail of this service, simply contact any member of the team. No previous experience is needed, you do not have to be at a particular stage on your spiritual journey – just ‘come as you are.’
