Located southwest of Dubuque in Peosta, Iowa, New Melleray Abbey was founded in 1849 by Cistercian monks of their Order from Mount Melleray Abbey in Ireland. The Cistercians of the Strict Observance (Trappists) treasure the balance Saint Benedict provides in his Rule between communal prayer and private prayer. From pre-dawn to night fall, the brothers, in union with the whole Church, gather seven times each day to sing Psalms together in praise of God. They also gather each day to hear the Word of God and for the breaking of the bread in the celebration of the Mass.

Through their guest house and other forms of monastic hospitality, they offer to their brothers and sisters a place where they may find acceptance, peace, and prayer. With Trappist Caskets they support themselves and supply employment to local men and women by making and selling simple wooden caskets and burial urns of exceptional quality. They also provide free caskets for children’s funerals as a work of mercy. (NewMelleray.org)