Visit of Archbishop Mark and Blessing of the Grotto

October 20, 2022
On the eve of our patronal feast of St Michael and All Angels, our new Archbishop, Mark O’Toole stayed with us overnight at Belmont and joined us for Vespers. 

After Vespers the Community gathered around the newly redecorated grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in the monastery gardens. This was the work of Br Alvidas, assisted by his fellow postulant Br Craig. The grotto had been repainted with a few finishing touches like the stars on the ceiling and flowers painted at the side. Archbishop Mark blessed the grotto.

Afterwards we welcomed the Archbishop to Belmont with a glass of bubbly, and the Prior, Fr Michael spoke for us all in assuring him of our prayers as he leads not one diocese but two, the Archdiocese of Cardiff and the Diocese of Menevia.

Below are some pictures of the occasion.

By Abbot Brendan Thomas September 13, 2026
A School of Love by the Wye: Abbot Brendan on the Cistercians on the Feast of the Holy Cross.
By Abbot Brendan Thomas September 4, 2026
The Blessing of new Icons for the Churches in Stratford-upon-Avon, with inspiring talks by the Abbot Primate and Dr Rowan Williams.
By Abbot Brendan Thomas September 3, 2026
“O Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory abides.”
By Abbot Brendan Thomas September 2, 2026
A Peregrine Falcon attract bird-spotters
By Abbot Brendan Thomas August 16, 2026
Nothing that is precious and dear to God is simply discarded: homily by Abbot Brendan.
July 26, 2026
For one night only! Pickwick Comes to Belmont!
By Abbot Brendan Thomas July 23, 2026
Awaken with a Rule! The St Benedict Week Conference at Norwich organised by the Lay Community of St Benedict
By Abbot Brendan Thomas July 10, 2026
Dom Robert Igo OSB Elected President of the English Benedictine Congregation at Historic 100th General Chapter.
By Abbot Paul June 7, 2026
We were delighted to welcome back the Old Boys and Girls of the School to mark the centenary of its foundation.
By Abbot Paul June 7, 2026
We welcomed the Old Boys and Girls of the School.