Dom Nicholas Elected Abbot of Downside
August 26, 2020
We are sorry to lose one of our monks
This morning the monks of Downside held an abbatial election and elected Dom Nicholas Wetz to be Abbot of Downside. He resumes the role with immediate effect.
Two years ago Dom Nicholas left Belmont to help the community out as Prior Administrator. He had previously been claustral Prior here, and parish priest of the Belmont Parish. He joined Belmont in 1985 and had been in the Abbey School.
We wish him and the Downside Community all the best in the years ahead. Perhaps it is a happy repayment to Downside. Abbot Aelred Kindersley, a Downside monk, became the first Abbot of Belmont exactly 100 years ago this summer.
Please pray for Dom Nicholas and all the Downside community.
Abbot Brendan Reflects on Pope Leo's words to the Benedictines worldwide
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9th to 11th January 2026 A weekend for young men to experience the monastic life and join in the prayer and life of the community.
28th November at 6.45pm You are welcome to join an informal service for healing prayer on the last Friday of November. No need to book.
Sat 13th December, 10.00am-12.30am We are delighted that the acclaimed Cistercian writer, Fr Michael Casey will be with us in December.
Monday 1st to Thursday 4th December 2025. Our first Advent retreat in our newly opened guesthouse
Good Shepherd, Good Priest “I will seek the lost and bring back the strayed; I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak.” Those words, spoken by the Lord God through the prophet Ezekiel, describe the heart of God, the Good Shepherd — but they also describe the life and ministry of a good monk and priest. They could well be written of Fr Stephen’s years of service as a pastor in Abergavenny, Swansea, Hereford, and Weobley. In each of those places, he shared in the Shepherd’s work: seeking out the lost, binding up the wounded, strengthening the weary, and leading God’s people with quiet faithfulness. And like Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who came close to his people, Fr Stephen did not serve from a distance. He knew his people; he was among them. He shared their sorrows and their joys, their hopes and their disappointments. He bore their burdens with prayer and patience he brought the joy of the Gospel and the grace of the Sacraments. His mission amongst us is complete. He has served God’s good purpose. So today we ask Christ the Good Shepherd to take Stephen on his sacred shoulders and carry him home to the house of the Father. Bind up his wounds, give him eternal rest and lead him at last to the green pastures and still waters of eternal life.
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Honesty and Love Before God: Pharisee and Tax Collector; Pope and King - a homily by Abbot Brendan for the 30th Sunday of the Year.