UK Benedictine Monks assist Australian school in restoring statue of Our Lady and Child

A touching collaboration between two Roman Catholic institutions has brought together a monastic community in the United Kingdom and a rural school in Australia to restore a cherished statue of Our Lady and the Child Jesus.

Benedictine monks of St Augustine’s Abbey, Chilworth responded generously when Michael Green, Principal of Mt Carmel School in Yass, New South Wales, sought help to repair his school’s damaged statue. The figure, deeply loved by pupils and staff, had lost its hands and feet after many years of wear.

Mr Green discovered online the story of a similar statue lovingly restored at the Chilworth monastery and, having exhausted options in Australia, reached out to ask whether the monks’ restored statue could serve as a model for recreating the missing parts.

Moved by the school’s dedication and the devotional significance of the statue, the monks agreed at once. With the support of specialist 3D scanning company Surface Scan of Ramsgate, UK, a detailed digital scan of the Chilworth statue was produced at the end of January (2026). This high resolution model will allow precise replicas of the missing hands and feet to be crafted in Australia, ensuring the restoration remains faithful to the original design and tradition.

Alongside the technical assistance, the monks offered their prayers and blessing for the project, remembering Mt Carmel School in their liturgy and asking God’s guidance for all involved.

For the school community in Yass, the restoration has become more than a practical repair. It stands as a living sign of the Church’s unity across continents, linking a small Australian school with a contemplative Benedictine community in Britain.

Once completed, the restored statue will continue to inspire prayer and devotion - now enriched by a story of faith, generosity and international cooperation.

Watch a short video to show what went on here.

The picture above shows (left) a representative from Surface Scan holding a 3D scanning device. He is standing next to Fr John Seddon OSB, monk of St Augustine's Abbey, Chilworth.