Chilworth's Camellias symbolise undying, eternal love

Richard Morris
Mar 20th, 2021 (Updated Mar 21st, 2021)

Photo of one of Chilworth's many Camellias by Fr John Seddon OSB

Camellias grow in our garden here at St Augustine's Abbey, Chilworth as shown in the photograph here. Benedictine monk Fr John Seddon OSB learned recently that the flower was named after the Jesuit botanist, Father Georg Joseph Kamel. He practised botany in the 1600s for healing remedies.

Why have two varieties of Camellias been planted here at Chilworth in the past?

Well, maybe the answer lies in the unique nature of the Camellia. When any flower dies the petals and calyx separate. But with the Camellia petals and calyx fall away together.

Therefore, the Camellia symbolises undying, eternal love.

Which beautifully speaks of Christ's love for us.

LINKS

ST AUGUSTINE'S ABBEY, CHILWORTH - a living Roman Catholic Benedictine monastery in Surrey www.chilworthbenedictines.com

Become a monk with us (vocations): www.chilworthbenedictines.com/vocations
Ask us to pray for you: www.chilworthbenedictines.com/prayer-and-mass-requests
Come and pray with us: www.chilworthbenedictines.com/about
Browse over 80 religious items in our Benedictine Abbey online shop: www.chilworthbenedictines.com/shops/

Adverts

We offer publicity space for Catholic groups/organisations. See our advertising page if you would like more information.

We Need Your Support

ICN aims to provide speedy and accurate news coverage of all subjects of interest to Catholics and the wider Christian community. As our audience increases - so do our costs. We need your help to continue this work.

You can support our journalism by advertising with us or donating to ICN.