From June 8 until June 11, the monastic community took a break from its daily routine to hold its annual retreat.  This year, the monks of St. Mary's Abbey were joined by the community of Newark Abbey. Additionally two monks from St. Paul's Abbey, Newton and a monk from the monastery of Ewu in Nigeria also took part. The retreat master was Br. Colmán Ó Clabaigh OSB of Glenstal Abbey, Co. Limerick, Ireland. So there were monks from five different monasteries in attendance. Br. Colmán. who is an expert in Medeival Irish religious life, drew on his vast knowledge of the field to draw parallels with monastic life today. His conferences were liberally sprinkled with bits of Irish wit. The monks enjoyed the opportunity to reflect, relax and enjoy one another's company.