Chilworth's Camellias symbolise undying, eternal love
29 March 2023
As seen flowering today in our monastic garden
Camellias grow in our garden here at St Augustine's Abbey, Chilworth as shown in the photographs here. Fr John learned today 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.
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Thanks to Independent Catholic News for publishing this story here.
We are very grateful to the Surrey Churches Preservation Trust for the organ repair grant it gave us in 2025.
Starting on Saturday 13 September 2025 - book in advance online
Thursday 25 September 2025, 7.30pm to 9.15pm at St Augustine's Abbey, Chilworth. £10 per person. Book now.
Saturday 18 October 2025, 10am-4pm at St Augustine's Abbey, Chilworth
Drop in to our weekly lay ecumenical meditation group which started again on Wednesday 3 September 2025.
Continuing on 25 October 2025 with Sheila Longman
Chilworth Railway Crossing temporary closure - 14 to 28 September 2025
Sunday Mass is at 10am, weekday Mass is at 9am. Join the monks in prayer.
Starting early September 2025 - where contemplation meets creativity, wisdom and mystery.
Sat 8 November 2025, 1020-1220: How might our response to religious art deepen our aesthetic sense and enhance our understanding of the sacred?
