New Melleray Abbey

New Melleray Abbey is a Trappist monastery situated near Dubuque, Iowa, in the Archdiocese of Dubuque. Founded on July 16, 1849, it was established by six monks who arrived from Mount Melleray Abbey in Ireland, accepting an invitation from Bishop Matthias Loras. The abbey was established to serve the religious needs of the surrounding region, a role it has fulfilled for over a century.

History and Development

The initial settlement faced hardship, including a cholera outbreak in November 1849 during the journey of additional monks from Ireland via the Mississippi River, which claimed the lives of six men. Following the American Civil War, the abbey constructed its present stone edifice, designed by Dubuque architect John Mullany in a 13th Century Gothic Revival style. This structure has undergone significant renovations over the years.

A notable aspect of the abbey's history is the evolution of its chapel. Originally planned for the second floor of the east wing, financial constraints led to its relocation to the north wing in 1920. By the 1970s, the entire north wing was converted into a permanent chapel, featuring a simple, elegant design with red oak furnishings and a substantial five-ton granite altar. This new chapel received a national Honor Award from the American Institute of Architects in 1977.

In the early 2000s, recognizing the aging demographic of its community, the abbey undertook the rebuilding of an infirmary for elderly and sick monks, completing the project in 2004. This modern facility replaced an outdated infirmary built in the 1950s.

Monastic Life and Enterprises

New Melleray Abbey maintains a daily routine centered on prayer, work, and contemplation, adhering to ancient monastic traditions with Vigils at 3:30 AM and Compline at 7:30 PM. The abbey is home to an active community, with approximately 16 monks currently in residence, many of whom are over the age of 70.

The monastery is widely recognized for its business, Trappist Caskets, which produces high-quality wooden caskets, coffins, and urns. Despite this enterprise, the monks themselves adhere to traditional burial practices as outlined in the Rule of Saint Benedict, which involves burial directly in the ground without caskets. The abbey also offers its Guest House for individuals seeking quiet, personal retreats.

Notable Figures and Cultural Impact

Several monks who served at New Melleray Abbey went on to significant religious leadership roles. Clement Smyth and James O'Gorman, the abbey's first two priors, were both later consecrated as bishops. The abbey's current superior is Dom Brendan Freeman, appointed in December 2021.

New Melleray Abbey has also found its way into popular culture. The Traveler's Chapel at Wall Drug in Wall, South Dakota, is modeled after the abbey's chapel. Furthermore, the abbey and its monks were featured in the science fiction television series Babylon 5, where they were portrayed as helpful computer experts and engineers. An Irish television series, Radharc, also documented the abbey in 1968.