Benedictine Abbey thrives under lockdown with new online presence
Fr John Seddon OSB preparing beeswax products
Hidden in the glorious Surrey Hills yet only a stone's throw from Guildford and an hour from London, lockdown over 2020-21 for the growing community of Benedictine monks at St Augustine's Abbey, Chilworth, should have been a quiet affair but online interest in the place has rocketed, coinciding with the monastery's quest in its tenth anniversary year of being at Chilworth, to go decidedly digital with its overall online presence, most markedly with the launch of a new website and new online Benedictine Abbey shop.
During Lockdown, Fr John Seddon OSB, Benedictine monk and Lancastrian, has realised the power of the internet for spreading the message of the Gospel by providing short daily scripture reflections on the readings his Community reflect on every morning called 'Matins' Musings', which are now read internationally and translated into Spanish. Another monk, Fr Thomas Kolangaden OSB, provides an online daily Divine Mercy Hour, including teaching input from others members of the Community. The worldwide interest in these initiatives is reflected in the numbers regularly visiting the website and the many prayer intentions the monks receive daily. Fr John commented, "My ministry as a priest and monk has been greatly enriched and extended via the internet as a direct result of Lockdown restrictions."
Meanwhile the monks' new online shop is doing well. Top sellers are the organic beeswax skin creams, lip balms and furniture polish made with wax and honey from the abbey bees, and 'Chilworth Rosary Beads' constructed of cord by one of the monastery's new monks. There are around 80 more different products to choose from in the shop, including religious wall plaques, crosses, candles and more - all of which aim to offer good value.
Lockdown has seen annual shop sales increase from a few hundred pounds to several thousand and there seems to be a growing appetite for monk-made items, each made prayerfully by hand at Chilworth. Importantly, any excess income from the shop supports the ever growing maintenance costs of the listed Victorian Abbey Church and monastery.
Other online enquiries, often from all over the world, have also ballooned, notably prayer and Mass requests, enquiries from those thinking about becoming a monk or Oblate, and - with many thanks - donations.
Meanwhile, the peaceful rhythm of monastic prayer life, often notated by Gregorian Chant, continues at Chilworth as it has done for generations of Benedictine monks for hundreds of years and, yes, the monastery is actively welcoming enquiries from men considering becoming a monk. The very basic yet welcoming Monastic Guest House is inviting individuals to stay on a self catering basis, often a good way to experience monastic life at arm's length. Chilworth's Benedictine monks don't run a parish but outside Covid emphatically welcome members of the public to pray with them at daily Mass and Divine Office seven times daily 365 days a year and many do.
Outside of the pandemic, members of the public are welcome to pray in the Abbey Church at St Augustine's Abbey, Chilworth 365 days a year - daily Mass is at 9am, Sunday Mass is at 10am, Divine Office takes place seven times a day and the Monastic Guest House welcomes members of the public on retreat. An online Divine Mercy Hour (3-4pm) takes place every day, accompanied by an online Mass every Saturday afternoon.
St Augustine's Abbey is in Sample Oak Lane, Chilworth, Guildford, Surrey GU4 8QR. Tel: 01483 899360