The first Worth Abbey Pilgrims event of the year took place on Saturday, with a very well attended and warmly received Lent talk delivered by Abbot Mark. Many people look forward to hearing Abbot Mark speak and places were in high demand. It was a joy to welcome so many guests for a morning of reflection as we begin our journey through Lent. If you were unable to attend you can watch the live recording here.
A touching collaboration between two Roman Catholic institutions has brought together a monastic community in the United Kingdom and a rural school in Australia to restore a cherished statue of Our Lady and the Child Jesus.
Benedictine monks of St Augustine’s Abbey, Chilworth responded generously when Michael Green, Principal of Mt Carmel School in Yass, New South Wales, sought help to repair his school’s damaged statue. The figure, deeply loved by pupils and staff, had lost its hands and feet after many years of wear.
Mr Green discovered online the story of a similar statue lovingly restored at the Chilworth monastery and, having exhausted options in Australia, reached out to ask whether the monks’ restored statue could serve as a model for recreating the missing parts.
Moved by the school’s dedication and the devotional significance of the statue, the monks agreed at once. With the support of specialist 3D scanning company Surfacescan of Ramsgate, UK, a detailed digital scan of the Chilworth statue was produced. This high resolution model will allow precise replicas of the missing hands and feet to be crafted in Australia, ensuring the restoration remains faithful to the original design and tradition.
Alongside the technical assistance, the monks offered their prayers and blessing for the project, remembering Mt Carmel School in their liturgy and asking God’s guidance for all involved.
For the school community in Yass, the restoration has become more than a practical repair. It stands as a living sign of the Church’s unity across continents, linking a small Australian school with a contemplative Benedictine community in Britain.
Once completed, the restored statue will continue to inspire prayer and devotion – now enriched by a story of faith, generosity and international cooperation. A brief video explaining what’s happening can be seen here:
Last week I received an email asking to use the liturgical wheel I designed for our ‘Ora et Labora’ liturgical journal.
It was a delight and pleasure to be able to share it. I thought others may also find this resource helpful, so I attach below the liturgical wheel and seasonal variations in case they may be of use to you or your ministry/parish.
If you do use them for anything I would love to know, do feel free to drop me an email, please however do not use them for commercial purposes.
Offered with care, David
Many people discover that a regular practice of meditation brings a deep sense of peace — but also that it can be hard to sustain alone.
Meditating with others provides the learning, support and connection that helps a regular practice take root.
The School of Contemplative Life host free online sessions every Saturday from 08:30–09:30 (UK time) and Wednesday from 20:00–20:45 (UK time). Each gathering includes a short teaching, 20 minutes of silent meditation, and space for shared reflection. They’re free, open to all, and you’re very welcome to join. Just come as you are.
