Lessons from the Kylemore Abbey (Part 1)

This was the home of Mitchell and Margaret Henry.  A love story is what began, and laid the foundation, of this extricate castle.  The Henrys had visited the a hunting lodge in the the valley of Kylemore while on their honeymoon back in the 1840s.  This valley is nestled in the town of Connemara. Mitchell was already a successful eye surgeon in England, yet after his father passed, who was a cotton merchant, Mitchell inherited all his father’s massively successful business and became one of the wealthiest men around.  Mr. Henry decided to end his career as an eye surgeon and become involved in politics. He wanted to make a difference in the world.

It was then that he moved his family to Kylemore and laid the first stone, in 1867, to the castle as a token of his love for Margaret.

What began as a love story, soon ended in tragedy for the family.  During a family vacation to Egypt, Margaret took ill and died in 1874.  Henry ended up having her body embalmed, and placed in a mausoleum. The mausoleum was built on the grounds, near their home, nestled in the woods.

Four years later, in 1878, Mitchell Henry decided to display his love for his bride again by beginning construction on a beautiful Gothic church.

In 1902, the Henry family left the estate, and Mitchell passed away at the age of 84.  The story is told that he died almost penniless, but they granted his wish for his body to be placed beside Margaret’s in the mausoleum.

This castle, which was built because of a great love, has seen much tragedy over the years, yet also much enjoyment.  I know my family thoroughly enjoyed wandering the stunning gardens and touring the home and church.

Currently, this once castle of love is one of love of another kind.  In 1920, this became an abbey. It continues today a one, where ladies learn and have a love for God. (See the insert below from the website, and click on the link to read its complete history.)

We can learn a couple of things from this story:

• Love Big! Life is short.  Express your love to others.  Okay, maybe not build a castle for them, but demonstrate love and love big! God demonstrated His extravagant love by sending His Son to live here on earth, die for you and me, and rise again.  He is alive! He will be back! GOD LOVES YOU! For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. John 3:16-17.  Consider the kind of extravagant love the Father has lavished on us, He calls us children of God!  It’s true; we are his beloved children. 1 John 3:1a.

• Follow your passion.  Mitchell had a passion to make this world a better place. He did through service and taking care of the land around him.  That sounds like a pretty good idea. God gave us this earth to take care of. He wants us to be good steward of this land. Serve others through serving God.  God has shown you His grace in many different ways.  So be good servants and use whatever gift He has given you in a way that will best serve each other. 1 Peter 4:10

• Mitchell built his wife a castle to reside in…God created Heaven as our eternal home.  There is room for all! Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many rooms.  If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” John 14:2-3

• You may die rich or you may leave this earth penniless, however you do…just know that God desires for you to live a rich and full life through Him.  When are have Christ in your heart, you are priceless. In Isaiah 43:4 we read the words of The LORD, “You are priceless to me.  I love you and honor you.”

I pray you do live a full and rich life in Christ.

Blessings to you and yours,

Stephanie

Just a heads up: I wasn’t able to upload all the photos on this entry, so I’ll add another entry with the same wordings and simply call these Part 1 and part 2.)

On the website, it reads:

Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden, one of Ireland’s best loved and most iconic tourist attractions and home to the Benedictine nuns since 1920.
At Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden, there is so much for all the family to enjoy. Visit the restored rooms of the Abbey and learn about its history of tragedy, romance, education, innovation and spirituality. Explore the 6 acre Victorian Walled Garden with its delightfully restored  garden buildings. Discover woodland and lakeshore walks that will take you on a beautiful journey through our 1,000 acre estate. The beautiful Gothic Church is a short walk from the Abbey, nestled nearby is the Mausoleum where Mitchell and Margaret Henry are buried side by side.

https://www.kylemoreabbey.com/