Our breakfast was a full breakfast buffet. Our food has been so good on this trip! We met for a 40 minute devotional time. We read & journaled from Psalm 27, prayed, and each person shared how yesterday affected them. Such a great way to start the day.
We then left for Grey Abbey in the Strangford Lough (Lake) area. After another beautiful drive through the Irish countryside, we arrived around 11:40. We explored the cemetery and found that the ancient monastery ruins of the abbey were locked. We met a young man, named Richard, who grew up in the village (just over 1,000 people). He answered questions, walked with us into town, and showed us some "wee" shops (small and dripping with quaintness). We had lunch at a restaurant called No. 14. Once again, great Irish food.
When we walked back to the bus, Richard met us. He talked with the "earl" that owned land next to the abbey and said that we could walk on the private property to get into the grounds of the abbey. It was kind of weird leading a group past a sign that read "private property". Once there, we were rewarded with the captivating and large scale ruins of a famous abbey from the 11th century. We had a prayer in the center of what used to be a grand sanctuary. Thank you Richard of Grey Abbey for helping us!
Once back at the hotel, we had some free time. Many, but not all, went shopping. Our dinner was early. We then attended the 7:00pm Taize service at Clonard Monastery. This place is one of the most respected houses of worship in Belfast. It was at the forefront of Christian reconciliation in Belfast during "The Troubles". The sanctuary was majestic and beautiful. The service was worshipful. They were very hospitable. One of the most well-known priests, who was instrumental to peace in Belfast, came out before the service to welcome us. During the service we were welcomed twice, once at the beginning and once at the end. Once everyone had left the sanctuary, I chanted and an usher recorded it.
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