In keeping with noviciate tradition, Fr Bruno and the novices set out in early July to spend some
time with Dominican nuns, getting to know the Second Order and an integral part of the
Dominican family. We flew to Dublin and took a short bus to Drogheda, to the Monastery of St
Catherine of Siena, the only Dominican monastery on the British Isles.

We stayed for three nights, in a guest house adjoining the monastery, spending time with the
sisters in prayer and in their common life. There was time for recreation with the community, as
well as plenty of peace as we adjusted to the monastic rhythm for a short while. It was a very
privileged time, experiencing the contemplative life of the nuns which St Dominic placed at the
very heart of the Dominican Order, and we were constantly shown immense love and hospitality. It
was such a joy to meet all the community, and be able to thank them for their constant prayers
which continue to sustain us.

Before catching our flight back, we also visited the friars in Dublin. The Prior fr John Walsh
welcomed us to St Saviour’s, the Studium in Dublin, where we enjoyed a delicious lunch to
celebrate the feast of St Benedict – a fitting end to a week spent sharing in the Dominican
monastic life.