The Benedictine Sisters of Virginia know how to honor a
saint. On Sunday, March 10, at 2 p.m., they kick off the
area’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with their annual Irish
music concert. Held to raise awareness of and funds for their
“Place of Peace” – the largest private gardens in Prince
William County that are open to the public – this concert is
quickly becoming a local favorite.
The “Irish Celebration of Peace” or “Ceiliradh Siochana”
showcases the talents of local groups and solo artists that
are steadily gaining popularity in the Northern Virginia,
Maryland and DC music circuit.
Benedcitine Sister Pat Hagarty, who currently manages the
“Place of Peace” is responsible for coordinating the concert
and makes the fresh Irish soda bread and other treats that
are included in a raffle to be held during the concert.
“This is the largest event for our monastery gardens and we
are so grateful that the public supports it each year,” said
Sister Pat Hagarty, OSB. “Through God’s grace we are always
blessed with truly magnificent performances by artists who
embrace our “Place of Peace.”
This year’s talent roster includes performances by McGrath
Irish Dance, Scott Volles, master fiddler Brendan Mulvihill,
Paul Tangren, Kenny and Terri Wolin and Clara Poffenburger.
With a blend of soft ballads, sea shanties and rousing St.
Patrick’s Day favorites, this concert promises something for
everyone.
Last year’s event packed the monastery’s chapel to
overflowing and raised over $4,000. To accommodate a larger
crowd, the concert will be held at Grace Life Church, 9560
Linton Hall Road in Bristow, across the road from Saint
Benedict Monastery. Running from 2-4 p.m. March 10, the
concert is free to the public with donations of suggested
amounts from $15 to $25 gratefully accepted.
Last year’s event raised over $4,000 for “The Place of
Peace.” Concert-goers are invited to take self-guided tours
of the “Place of Peace” preceding the event and are reminded
that the Saint Benedict Monastery welcomes daily visitors
year-round. For more information call 571/428-2503 or visit
osbva.org.
