Known by many as the 'Chilworth Benedictines' and described by the BBC as a 'prayer powerhouse', our main purpose is prayer and contemplation following the Rule of St Benedict, supplemented by monastic work, study and some recreation. As one of my brethren said to a visitor recently: "We monks at Chilworth live a traditional Benedictine life of meditation, prayer and contemplation whilst being open to the charisms of the individual," which sums it up well. In the prologue to his Rule, St Benedict says: "seek out peace and follow it" and at St Augustine's Abbey, Chilworth this is exactly what we try to do and welcome anyone who would like to do so too.
When we are in the Abbey Church, there is a strong emphasis when praying on the use of both English and Latin and sung Gregorian Chant, which many people find deeply prayerful. In addition, the use of the Abbey Church's organ at Sunday Mass played by Dr Julie Ainscough is a delight for many. We also host occasional charismatic healing services (about four a year), a weekly ecumenical lay meditation group, study days in Catholicism amongst other activities. Sadly, we do not offer tours of the monastery.
Our monks also make and sell skin creams and furniture polish made from Beeswax, plus Chilworth Rosary Beads and one of us, Dom Basil Watkins OSB, complies 'The Book of Saints: a comprehensive biographical dictionary', a well regarded reference guide.
So, in summary, I have three main messages for you, dear visitor:
+ The Abbey Church is actively open to the public 365 days a year, that is for anyone of any faith or none. Although we do not run a parish, please join us whenever you can for daily Mass, Divine Office, spiritual refreshment and perspective, as well as our popular and varied events - watch out for our occasional Spanish speaking Mass, for example. We also run a small Guest House for retreatants and Abbey visitors.
+ Should you not be familiar with us, we are told that we as monks are a very down to earth and normal group of people, approachable and welcoming to all; we even have a sense of humour (I say this as a Lancastrian)!
+ Finally and importantly, we are actively encouraging questions and visits from those who think they are being called to become a Benedictine monk at St Augustine's Abbey, Chilworth. Applying to get involved with us as a lay person is also very welcome, normally as an Oblate or a volunteer, to join us in our prayer and help us in our work.
Christo omnino nihil praeponant - let them prefer nothing to the love of Christ.
May God bless you and give you peace.
Rt Rev Dom Paulinus Greenwood OSB, Abbot
