A New Chapter in the Life of Belmont

Dear Friends,

You may be aware that the community of St Gregory’s, formerly at Downside Abbey, found a temporary home at Buckfast whilst they entered a process of discernment regarding their future.

Following a lengthy period of discussion and fraternal exchange between our two communities, we have both voted and agreed that St Gregory’s would come and live alongside us here at Belmont. Whilst formally we will remain separate communities, in practice we will live a common life together.

St Gregory’s have said: “Our shared hope is that we will be able to support and strengthen each other in faithfulness to our Benedictine vocation and that eventually we will form a single, united community at Belmont.”

Strengthened by the arrival of St Gregory’s we will continue to build on the Benedictine tradition of hospitality, retreat-giving, pastoral care and outreach. We look forward to opening our new guest facilities this summer.

The foundation of our life will continue to be our liturgy and prayer. The tradition of our two houses, together with the rich history of English monasticism with its saints is there to inspire us. The Rule of St Benedict will unite us in this endeavour.

Some of you will already know that two members of St Gregory’s are looking after the parish of St Francis Xavier’s, Hereford, Fr James and Fr John.  Likewise, Fr Richard, a monk of St Gregory’s has been Novice Master at our foundation in Peru for a number of years. Abbot Nicholas is well known and loved by many given the years he spent at Belmont as Prior and Parish Priest.

We know that the wider Belmont family, our friends, oblates and parishioners will make the Community of St Gregory’s and in time the wider Gregorian family very welcome at Belmont.

We look forward to this new and exciting chapter in the life of our communities.

Kind regards,

Abbot Brendan and the Community