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April 2009 Update
This Stanbrook Abbey website, which is to be archived by the British Library, will cease to be ‘live’ from 1 May 2009, when the Stanbrook community prepares to re-locate. We should like to thank all who have shared in our life via the site since its launch in October 2000, as well as the many who have sent positive feedback and prayer requests. The latter may still be sent by email to: secretary@stanbrookabbey.org.uk In time, we hope to launch a new website but meanwhile, for information and the latest shots of our new monastery in
Yorkshire , please visit: www.stanbrookabbeyfriends.org.uk
Advent Update Mother Abbess writes In mid-October, S. Benedicta, S. Anna and I travelled up to Crief, Wass for a couple of days on business. It gave us the opportunity to have a good look round the new monastery. There was quite a transformation from the building we saw in June. All the rooms have now been built and the roofs are on. The north side of the building has all its windows in, more or less, and the hope was to have the remaining windows finished before the winter really sets in. Completion date, hopefully, will be around 1 March 2009.
Personally, I would like to thank all the Friends of Stanbrook for the support they have given us spiritually, financially or practically over the last year. The community appreciates it very much.
Unfortunately, as some of you already know, we thought we had a potential buyer for Stanbrook Abbey,
Worcester , but sadly the sale fell through in late September. Once again we have had to return to the market. Please pray we find a buyer soon for our present home.
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 December 2008) numbers 25, including two novices and one postulant. 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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