Eight new monks joining Quarr Abbey

There are now eight young Benedictine monks in formation at Quarr Abbey, situated near Ryde on the Isle of Wight and three more are expected to join later this year, writes Peter Jennings.

Two newcomers to the monastery, Brothers Jonathon and Dominic were clothed in their religious habit on 14 February, the feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius, Patron Saints of Europe, with Saint Benedict.

Two monks, Brothers Brian and Anthony are due to make their final monastic profession during the summer and two brothers Charles and Robert, their First Profession.

Abbot Cuthbert Johnson said: "The Quarr Abbey community is now being built up by the arrival of young candidates for the monastic life for all walks of life and various parts of the world."

Abbot Johnson added: "Plans are afoot for the restoration of the guesthouse. This much needed work will contribute to the Abbey's apostolate of providing a place of quiet and solitude for those who need a place of rest, for a few days, from the stress of modern day life.

"The project will also include the provision of a large enough hall for holding meetings to share monastic spirituality with the local community of the Isle of Wight."