“These brave souls held the conviction that serving a higher purpose meant healing those deplorable conditions which existed in their society, including all forms of subjugation. It was rumored they were allowed to continue because of an unnamed, powerful protector.
“Operating through the following years, these dedicated monks fostered a constructive relationship with local people, providing food and assistance in various matters. These were days after the rebellion of 1641, when there was hope for a chance at self-government in Ireland. Twintonmore’s monks wanted to be on the vanguard of full rights for all religious denominations in Ireland, focusing their efforts on uplifting all people.
“Despite the skirmishes being waged throughout Ulster at the time, Twintonmore Abbey was recognize
