Invitation to join Norfolk Benedictine community 

The Prior of St Benet’s Abbey is looking to expand and regenerate the Norfolk community which follow the rule of St Benedict.

Rev. Ben Bradshaw, rector of the benefice of St Benedict and Prior of St Benet's Abbey, is looking for people – men and women, single or married, lay or clergy – interested in bringing inspiration from Benedictine spirituality into their own day-to-day lives. Anyone interested in St Benedict’s rule and becoming part of the community can find out more at a special service on Saturday April 12 at 2.00pm.

“Would you value following a simple rule of life which can help you to live out your Christian discipleship?” asks Father Ben. “Would you appreciate regular meetings to share in prayer, fellowship, and support, as we look to deepen our spiritual lives? If so, St Benet's Community could be for you!”

The community is currently centred around the parish of Horning and is a continuation of the original monastic order who established themselves at St Benet's abbey in the ninth century.

More than 1,000 years ago King Canute gave land near beside the River Bure to a group of monks to build the abbey, and there are stories of holy hermits living here even earlier. The monks followed the rules of St Benedict (or Benet in medieval English). Five centuries later St Benet’s was the only religious house in England and Wales not closed by Henry VIII. Instead he gave it to the Bishop of Norwich and to this day every Bishop of Norwich is also Abbot of St Benet’s.

Father Ben would love to extend membership of the St Benet’s Community across Norfolk and beyond and has enlisted the support and guidance of Anglican Benedictine monks from Mirfield in West Yorkshire.

“This will be the first time since just after the Reformation, some 500 years ago, that an actual monastic community will once again be involved in the life of St Benet's. It is very exciting” said Father Ben, who trained as a priest at Mirfield.

The service for those wanting to find out more will start at  St Benedict’s Church, Horning, and finish with a short service at St Benet’s Abbey. Mirfield monk Father John Gribben will be there to formalise the link with St Benet’s.

“Please be assured that there is no need to make any sort of commitment on the day! Simply come along, have a chat, and see if it is something you think would be beneficial for your own spiritual journey,” said Father Ben.

To find out more about the St Benet’s Community contact the Revd Ben Bradshaw on 01692 630216 or brother_ben@btinternet.com



Photo of the boat ride to the annual open air service at St Benet's Abbey, courtesy of Roger Green