A Monastic Day

I'm just back from St Michael's Abbey, Farnborough, where I spent a day (and a bit) of recollection to get myself in shape for Lent. Just by being in a monastery, attending the Offices, walking around the grounds, eating in silence and rummaging in the library, one feels closer to God and fully refreshed.

Most readers will have heard by now of Farnborough Abbey - a little piece of Imperial France (it is the mausoleum of Napoleon III and his family) in the commuter land of Hampshire. The fact that it is so near to London makes it a great place for days of recollection. One of the many consolations, also, is the opportunity to celebrate Mass in the beautiful church - and Father Sacristan is often generous in allowing use of the superb contents of the sacristy.


Note also the monastic tonsure of the Roman Miscellenist!

They also have a very fine shop, with meat, eggs and honey from the monastic farm - and an excellent selection of books (including many unusual ones). You check this out on the Abbey Shop website.