Benedictine monks at St Augustine’s Abbey, Chilworth are continuing their outreach for monastic discernment across the UK, Europe and Spanish speaking Latin America, offering men the opportunity to experience the Roman Catholic Benedictine rhythm of monastic life in the Surrey Hills near Guildford in southern England.

In the past year, three men from the UK have joined the Community as monks - a prayerful and encouraging sign of renewal, hope and growing interest in Benedictine life. The Abbey gives thanks for this, recognising that every vocation is a grace, patiently matured in God’s time. And, in addition, one longstanding potential monk is returning to us from Latin America.

Becoming a monk is neither quick nor easy. It is a path of discernment, formation, testing and conversion of life that takes many years - before solemn profession is reached. The journey unfolds gradually under the wisdom of the Rule of St Benedict and the guidance of the Abbot. It requires perseverance, prayer, study and above all a deep surrender to God’s will.

The invitation to explore monastic life at Chilworth remains beautifully simple in its first step: to stay initially in the Abbey’s monastic guesthouse or noviciate, sharing the daily rhythm of prayer, work, silence and community without obligation. Men come to do this from all over the world, sometimes visiting several monasteries, countries and communities along the way including within the UK, across Europe, throughout the Americas and elsewhere as part of their wider vocational discernment. Chilworth welcomes this fully, understanding that authentic discernment is not exclusive, but a process of listening for God’s voice wherever it may lead.

Alongside vocational outreach, the Abbey continues a flourishing pastoral mission. Spanish-language Mass is now a growing part of its liturgical life, warmly attended by Latin American natives living locally in Surrey and the South of England. Candidates who come to discern monastic life also use their time to improve their English, supporting their personal and spiritual development.

A six month residential discernment stay at Chilworth for a potential monk carries an approximate cost of £5,000 per monk, covering essential needs including travel, accommodation, food and formation support. Time spent discerning within the monastery is unpaid, offered freely in the spirit of Benedictine hospitality and vocational accompaniment.

Fr Abbot concludes simply:

“We pray to the Lord for divine assistance.”

Your generosity supports this mission of welcoming and accompaniment - sponsoring monks near and far, strengthening pastoral outreach, nurturing authentic vocation discernment and helping secure the long term monastic future for our monastery and others - always according to God’s will.

All donations to help St Augustine's Abbey, Chilworth pay for a potential visit, Gift Aided if possible, can be made here

If you would like to contact Fr Abbot about the initiative or arrange your own fundraising event to support our new monks, please get in touch here