Monk in celtic ireland

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A monk in early Christian Ireland

You lived in a monastery - usually a quiet place

Good example - Glendalough, Co. Wicklow
Founded by monk called Kevin
Joined the monastery at age 16 - called a novice

Head of monastery called the Abbot
Made solemn promises called vows
Vows of poverty, obedience, chastity
Clothing worn called a habit - usually brown or black

No money or possessions of your own
Hair cut into a tonsure
Typical day began before daybreak

Life consisted of praying and working
Every monk had own special job to do
Some were stone-carvers, goldsmiths, farmers
Some monks worked as scribes

Created beautiful manuscripts
Coloured inks used on special vellum (calf skin)
Many famous manuscripts produced …e.g. Book of Kells
In typical monastery - largest building was Church

Monks lived in small stone bee-hive cells
Monastery surrounded by tall stone wall
Tallest building called the Round Tower

Monks hid there during Viking attacks
Brought their precious gold chalices and crosses also
Not all monks stayed in Ireland

Colmcille and others went abroad to spread Christianity
These monks called missionaries
Special schools and monasteries created all over Europe