A unique and important aspect of an Inside the Vatican pilgrimage are encounters with “living stones” of faith.  Our pilgrimages have purposefully and intentionally scheduled visits with individuals of faith associated with a site or topic of historical and spiritual importance for that pilgrimage. Many times, our group will meet someone along the way and receive an unexpected gift of a story about an obscure saint, a local tradition or spiritual reflection. Sometimes a special friend will hear we are in town and join us for dinner to share the latest from their corner of the Church. The messages received during these encounters are always relevant to our journey.

During the Ireland — Saints and Scholars Pilgrimage — we have a scheduled visit with the monks of Silverstream Priory, situated amidst pasture land and forest in the eastern reaches of County Meath. Silverstream Priory was founded in 2012 by an American, Father Mark Kirby, at the invitation of the Most Reverend Michael Smith, Bishop of Meath, and canonically erected as an autonomous monastery of diocesan right on February 25, 2017.

Praying and working in the enclosure of the monastery, the monks of Silverstream keep at heart the sanctification of priests laboring in the vineyard of the Lord. They undertake various works compatible with their monastic vocation, notably the development of the land and gardens, hospitality to the clergy in need of a spiritual respite, scholarly work, and publishing.

Our time with them will include Vespers and a private reflection.

Follow this LINK to our Ireland page to view either the 2019 or 2020 offering..there are a few spots left on the 2019 pilgrimage!