The first Christian Mass to celebrated in a Buddhist retreat centre on the Beara peninsula took place at the weekend. The centre has recently begun work on a €2.75 million spiritual care centre for those living with illness or facing death.
Dzogchen Beara in Allihies is a Tibetan Buddhist retreat centre and it operates under the spiritual direction of Sogyal Rinpoche, the author of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying.
The Mass was celebrated by Fr Laurence Freeman, a world leader of Christian meditation groups.
There are now 1,500 groups in the world community for Christian meditation led by Fr Freeman. Some 250 of these groups are in Ireland, with a large number of these in the southwest. There are 35 Christian meditation groups in Cork alone, with several also in Kerry.
The Mass was celebrated before a capacity congregation of Buddhists and Christians in the dramatic cliff-top centre overlooking the sea.
"It is through practice of meditation that we learn a greater acceptance of self," Fr Freeman said.
Matt Padwick, on behalf of the Buddhist community, said it was a privilege to welcome Fr Freeman to Dzogchen Beara. "His profound teaching enhances one's understanding, regardless of faith," Mr Padwick said.
Planning permission was granted last year for the spiritual care centre designed by sustainable energy architects in consultation with healthcare professionals. The project represented "a new era" for Dzogchen Beara, Fr Freeman said.
"The extraordinary beauty of the place and the loving- kindness of the community make it sacred and will help reveal the beauty and grace hidden within the process of dying."
He felt sure the new centre would confirm that the highest quality of life could be attained in one's last days.