Guesthouse

Are we open to Visitors?

We are indeed - St Benedict reminded his monks that guests would never be lacking, and instructed that they were to be welcomed as Christ. Many people visit the church, walk in the grounds, or perhaps have a cup of tea in the guesthouse.

Overview

The guesthouse offers comfortable accommodation for periods of up to a week, and welcomes people from very varied backgrounds. Some may just want a quiet time to reflect and rest, away from the stress of everyday life, while others may be seeking solace in distress or trying to discern the Lord's will for them. They can be sure that the community's prayer will support them and call down God's gift of peace on them.

The monks do not usually provide preached retreats although guests who wish to do so can talk things through with a member of the community. The "preaching" is above all, that of the liturgy in the monastery church. We hope that the alternation of silence and choral prayer, the rhythm of bells, chanting, reading, psalmody throughout the day will enable our guests to taste the silence which blossoms into prayer and the prayer that culminates in silence. This is the special grace of the place - for this is the home of God and now is the acceptable time.

Books are available for those who wish to follow Divine Office. Others may prefer to share in the worship by sitting still and letting occasional phrases or words or just a whole experience carry them in peaceful prayer.