| Spring 2008 Update M. Abbess writes
This year is proving a time of transition. Having decided in 2002 to move from Worcester, we never thought it would take us almost seven years to do so . . . but Phase I of the new monastery in
Yorkshire , we have been reliably informed, will be ready early next year. Two levels, complete with ceilings and stairs are now clearly visible, even to the inexperienced eye; soon there will be a roof, and with that, work on the interior can go on apace, unhindered by the variable
Yorkshire weather which has been the cause of some of the delay so far. By Easter 2009 we may, please God, be settling into our new home.
On 26 June 2008 Bishop Terence Drainey of
Middlesbrough , our new diocese, will bless the foundation stone of the new monastery. We must never forget that ‘unless the Lord build the house, in vain do its builders labour’. Early that day you will see a mini-bus packed with Stanbrook nuns driving up the A1 for the occasion. We will be joined by the architects, builders, advisers and others who have worked on the new monastery; and, of course, by our monastic friends of Ampleforth.
With an approximate date for moving, we must now focus our attention on packing—no easy matter, as you can imagine, because we have accumulated a great deal over the last 170 years. Anyone who has ‘downsized’ when moving house will know the feeling! Much thought and energy is going into the planning and sorting. In this we are blessed to have the help and expertise of Bonhams, the auctioneers. With their assistance, on 7 June 2008 there will be the ‘Parlour Sale’—our equivalent of a ‘car boot sale!’—here at Stanbrook. Then, on 28 October, 2008, Bonhams will run a ‘Stanbrook Auction,’ to be held at Knowle. All are, of course, welcome to both events.
The sale of the Worcester Stanbrook still lingers. The move is not dependent on the sale, but it would help! Please pray that the discussions with the current interested party bear fruit. Way back in 2002 we said we hoped for a sympathetic buyer. We may now have found one. As soon as we can, we will let you know that a sale has been formally agreed and you can join in our rejoicing and prayers of thanksgiving
From the Press Release April 15 2002:
We have decided, after long deliberation, to move from our present monastery. As yet, no decision has been made as to when or where we shall move; but safeguarding the interests of staff and tenants is a priority, and we wish to leave them the maximum time to make appropriate arrangements. The monastery's property includes several acres of land and an Edward Pugin church, and we hope that a sympathetic buyer will be found.
Among the reasons for the decision, Abbess Joanna Jamieson cites the community's need to make the best use of its resources, human and financial.
A strong sense of monastic purpose has given us the courage to make this difficult decision', she says.
We thank God for all we have received in this place, and trust that, faithful to the past, we may be responsive to the graces of the future. A new phase in our history is opening. Confident in the role of our monastic life in the Church of today, we face the future in hope
Our life of prayer, praise and hospitality goes on, and we continue to accept candidates.
The community today (updated October 2003) numbers 26 professed nuns, one novice and two postulants. About 120 lay people, known as oblates, are associated with the monastery, and we have many friends at home and abroad. Strong local and ecumenical links remain a significant element in our life.
In response to this announcement, the Most Reverend Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Birmingham, said "I have learned with regret that the Benedictine community of Stanbrook Abbey have come to the decision that they must seek alternative premises for their community. I know how much heartache this decision will cause. My fervent wish is that the Stanbrook community will remain within the Archdiocese of Birmingham. We appreciate and cherish their presence and their witness to the importance of Gospel living
NOTES
A professed nun has taken vows for life
A postulant is in the first stage of training to be a nun
An oblate is a lay person who takes the Rule of St Benedict as their spiritual guide in daily living.
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