Safeguarding at Belmont
Abbot Brendan Thomas • June 19, 2025
The Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency Report, published in June 2025
Belmont Abbey Audit
From the very beginning of the implementing of safeguarding policies in the Catholic Church in England and Wales, Belmont has taken this duty very seriously and, with the help of the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA), the Religious Life Safeguarding Service (RLSS) and the Archdiocese of Cardiff Safeguarding Commission, we have trained our monks to put all the policies into effect as a matter of priority.
Recently an independent audit was carried out by the CSSA. A visit took place on 3rd March 2005, and the report was published in June 2025. It is available here for all to read.
The monastery's Designated Safeguarding Leads are Lucy and Paul Zammit, and further details are on our safeguarding page.
Charlotte Carver writes about her experience of writing attending one of Fr Alex's Icon workshops.
Many friends came together to celebrate with Fr James his 30th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood - his Silver Jubilee had fallen during covid.
Abbot Brendan Reflects on Pope Leo's words to the Benedictines worldwide
July and August 2026: 3 workshops let by Fr Alex Echeandia, Prior of the Monastery of Lurin
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.