You're Invited to the Historic Re-Opening of Mount Melleray Abbey

This September, Ave Maria University will celebrate a truly historic milestone as the restored Abbey Church at Mount Melleray Abbey in Ireland is officially reopened and dedicated during a special Mass on Sunday, September 20, 2026.

We would be honored to have you join us for this unforgettable weekend.

Alumni will have special VIP access. While the Opening Mass is open to the public, Ave Maria University Alumni who travel to Ireland will receive special access throughout the weekend:

Reserved priority seating for the historic Opening Mass

Access to exclusive private events on Saturday, September 19

Opportunities to spend time with University leadership, clergy, students, and fellow supporters

Behind-the-scenes tours of the Abbey and restoration project

Special meals and receptions throughout the weekend

Adding to the joy of this historic celebration, Ave Maria University's pioneer study abroad students will have just completed their first week living and studying at Mount Melleray Abbey. Their enthusiasm, faith, and excitement for this new chapter will bring a vibrant spirit to the weekend's events. We hope our guests will enjoy meeting these remarkable young men and women, hearing about their first impressions of Ireland, and sharing in the beginning of what promises to be a transformative semester abroad.

VIP Weekend Schedule

Saturday, September 19

10:00 a.m. – Private Mass

10:45 a.m. – VIP Abbey Tour

12:00 p.m. – Lunch in the Refectory

1:30 p.m. – Welcome for Local Hiking Pilgrims

2:00 p.m. – VIP Abbey Tour (second opportunity) or Free Time

4:00 p.m. – Cocktail Reception

4:30 p.m. – Welcome & Introductions

5:30 p.m. – Historic Re-opening of the Abbey Church Doors

6:00 p.m. – Celebration Pig Roast Dinner

Sunday, September 20

10:30 a.m. – Historic Opening Mass

Noon – Reception with the local community

1:00 p.m. – Private Lunch with Ave Maria University students and VIP guests

This celebration marks far more than the reopening of a beautiful church. It celebrates the enduring friendship between Ave Maria University and Mount Melleray Abbey, the beginning of a new chapter for our Ireland Study Abroad Program, and the shared mission that has united our communities across the Atlantic.

If you have ever considered visiting Ireland, there will never be a more meaningful occasion.

Please RSVP at your earliest convenience so we may reserve your VIP seating and include you in the private weekend events.

We would be honored to welcome you, our alumni, to Mount Melleray Abbey for this once-in-a-lifetime celebration.