New 'Slow TV' series visits three Benedictine monasteries

Pluscarden Abbey

Three Benedictine monasteries: Pluscarden, Downside and Belmont feature in a new three part TV documentary series due to be shown on BBC Four in October.

According to an entry on the Pluscarden website, the genre of this documentary is 'Slow TV'. Following the model of 'Into Great Silence' about La Grande Chartreuse, "the idea is to invite viewers into a world where prayer, meditation, contemplation, worship hold a central place. So there is to be no glamorous presenter, no interview, no dialogue and no commentary; but instead a series of high quality film sequences touching on the various aspects of our monastic life."

"Throughout their time with us, the members of the filming team approached the monastery and the community with great sensitivity and respect. Brethren involved were all impressed by their professionalism and unflappable patience. Probably for every minute that will be shown, at least an hour was spent filming, or setting up to film.

"It's rather unfortunate that during the period several brethren had to be away from the monastery. So the community will be seen with diminished numbers. Nevertheless, we hope that something of the essence of Pluscarden will be conveyed here, in its work and in its prayer.

"Allowing such an invasion of the Enclosure is always something of a risk, not to be undertaken lightly. So we ask God's blessing on the whole project: that it will somehow help promote monastic life in our modern world, contribute to evangelisation, and give great glory to God."

Read more about Pluscarden here: www.pluscardenabbey.org/