Monastery “running out of rooms” - Abbot signals expansion as vocations rise

Chilworth, Surrey, UK - A small Roman Catholic Benedictine monastery in Surrey has revealed it is running out of rooms for new monks and enquirers, prompting both an urgent appeal to would be vocations and early plans to expand accommodation.

The Rt Rev Dom Paulinus Greenwood OSB, Abbot of St Augustine’s Abbey, Chilworth, said:

“We now find ourselves in the enviable position of running out of rooms for monks and potential vocations. We are now exploring the possibility of converting our ample attic space into four or five en suite cells for future vocations.”

The Abbey says the recent increase in interest has quickly filled its limited capacity - a rare development in contemporary monastic life. The present community comprises 10 monks, together with a member from Latin America, reflecting both stability and a modest international dimension.

Notably, the Abbey confirms that the recent spate in vocations has been largely home grown within the UK, suggesting a renewed domestic interest in monastic life rather than reliance on overseas candidates.

In response to the pressure on space, the Community is now actively considering converting attic space into additional en suite cells, a practical step to accommodate future enquirers while maintaining the integrity of monastic life.

Alongside this development, the monks are issuing a clear message: “Do not delay.” Those discerning a monastic calling are encouraged to come forward while opportunities to visit and stay remain available.

However, the Abbey is equally candid about the realities of religious life. Vocation discernment typically takes several years, involving repeated visits, spiritual direction and gradual testing within the Community. It is not a quick or impulsive decision.

The monks also stress that current levels of interest can fluctuate. Periods of strong enquiry may be followed by quieter times, and not all who express interest ultimately pursue the path to monastic profession.

For that reason, the Abbey frames its message carefully: urgency in taking the first step, but patience in the journey that follows.



The Benedictine approach remains rooted in the tradition of “come and see,” inviting men to experience firsthand the rhythm of prayer, work and communal life centred on the search for God.

For now, the situation at Chilworth reflects both encouragement and constraint - a growing interest in monastic life within the limits of a small, 15 room monastery, now actively considering modest expansion.

The Abbot’s message, however, is unmistakable: act while the call is present but expect the path to unfold slowly and seriously over time.