Ten Years at Chilworth

Paulinus Greenwood OSB at Chilworth

Fr Abbot, Rt Rev Dom Paulinus Greenwood OSB, Abbot of St Augustine's Abbey, Chilworth spoke about the tenth anniversary of the Benedictine monastic community being at Chilworth - at the end of Sunday Mass on 28 November 2021.

Ten years ago, on the First Sunday of Advent, I stood here, at the end of Mass, and welcomed the people to the first public Mass to be celebrated in this church in almost a year. The church was full. It was 'standing room only'. People had returned, curious to see what these Benedictines looked like, and how they celebrated the liturgy.

The Franciscans had left in the previous January, and the doors of this church had been closed to the public for about eleven months, during which time our monastic Community had gradually relocated from our monastery in Ramsgate on the Kent coast, where we had lived and worked since 1856.

What I said when I spoke to the congregation 10 years ago was a word of Welcome, adding that I wasn't quite sure who was welcoming whom, since many of the people at that Mass had been worshipping here for many years, under the Franciscans, when it was a thriving Parish, long before we arrived.

This is no longer a Parish, officially. But there is still a strong sense of belonging and loyalty to this place, this beautiful church, and its history. Some of you who were here 10 years ago, are here today. There are also people here who never knew the Franciscans. A new generation has sprung up. New historical connections are being forged. And we no longer feel like the 'new boys'!

The welcome we monks received 10 years ago, is still very keenly felt, and we continue to be grateful for the help, support, and friendship that we receive from all of you, in so many different ways. And we hope that the feeling is mutual.

On behalf of the Monastic Community, I wish you a blessed Advent, and a Happy shared 10th Anniversary!

The Roman Catholic Benedictine monastery of St Augustine's Abbey, Chilworth is not far from Guildford and is open to members of the public 365 days a year for daily 9am Mass, Sunday 10am Mass and daily Divine Office. We have a Spanish speaking Mass too. Our Advent Carol Service is on Sunday 19 December 2021 at 3pm. The monks often sing and pray in Gregorian Chant. St Augustine's Abbey is a short walk away from Chilworth railway station. Visit us online at www.chilworthbenedictines.com