The community of 29 monks continues its activities in parochial ministry in four local churches: St Mary’s at Woolhampton, Our Lady of Lourdes and St Bernadette’s at Pangbourne, St Luke’s at Theale and St Oswald’s at Burghfield, as well as the giving of retreats and lectures, study and hospitality. Remaining at the heart of their monastic life, as for all Benedictines, is the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours, the Mass and lectio divina.
The community was founded in 1615 in Paris, the third house of the re-established English congregation. The majority of the monks were serving in Catholic missions in England, often at great risk to their lives. Having suffered greatly during the French revolution the monastery moved in 1818 to the town of Douai in Flanders, now in northern France. The community cherishes ever-strengthening links with the town to this day.
It was after its arrival in Douai that the community started a school, primarily for the education of boys destined for the priesthood, while maintaining an increasing commitment to the parochial mission in England. By the end of the nineteenth century the political situation in France was becoming inimical to religious orders. In 1903, three years after having been raised to the status of an abbey, the community had no choice but to leave Douai. The Bishop of Portsmouth offered them St Mary's seminary in Woolhampton, which the refugee community accepted.
The Abbey Church, the construction of which began in 1929, was finally completed in 1993.
Further details can be found on their website. here
You are looking for a 35mm film canister and you should also be able to see the Abbey Church. You shouldn't need a clue, but due to the tree coverage, we are adding one.
There is some parking off road at the southern end of Abbey Gardens but it is limited. There is a large car park at the Abbey church for a slightly longer walk to the footpath.
If anybody would like to expand to this series please do, I would just ask that you could let Sadexploration know first so he can keep track of the Church numbers and names to avoid duplication
To view the church micro stats page, please click here