A unique insight into Benedictine monastic life at Quarr Abbey, Kylemore Abbey and St Augustine's Abbey, Chilworth 

HEAVEN MADE AT CHRISTMAS: BBC Television 2022:

With thanks to the BBC and Ben @benn02



Episode 1  - watch here

In this beautiful festive series, we go behind the walls of religious orders across England and Ireland to meet Benedictine nuns and monks who for centuries have devoted themselves not just to prayer and work but to keeping ancient crafting traditions alive. These bookbinders, brewers, chocolatiers, soap makers, and potters are joined on their heavenly production lines by local artisans and volunteers. Together they create beautiful hand-made gifts that truly are Heaven Made, sharing the true meaning of Christmas with us at this special time in the Christian calendar. 

In this first episode we join the Benedictine sisters of the magnificent Kylemore Abbey on the West Coast of Ireland to meet Sister Genevieve and the team of nuns and lay staff who are busy making their sought-after Christmas hampers. In the Chocolate House, it is a tense time for new employee and chocolate novice Veronica, who has been tasked with creating a centrepiece for the hampers, a box of 12 individual chocolates that must meet the exacting approval of chief chocolatier, Sister Genevieve. Meanwhile Sister Jeanne, a former mathematician and chemist, explains how her Christmas creations are about more than chocolate, hidden in each handmade star is a Christmas blessing.

The monks at St Augustine’s Abbey in Chilworth, Surrey are also gearing up for the festive season. Brother Simon, a postulant (or monk in training), is busy producing one of their latest products that they’re hoping will be a big seller at Christmas, Rosary beads.

And on the Isle of Wight at the neo-gothic, red brick Quarr Abbey, within an area of outstanding natural beauty, veteran monk Father Gregory works with tenant farmer, Matt Legg to ensure their onsite restaurant is well stocked with their local meat in time for the Christmas menu.

Episode 2 - watch here

At the glorious Quarr Abbey on the Isle of Wight, we meet Father Gregory, who has been a monk here for the last 57 years. Like generations of monks before him, Father Gregory oversees the manufacture of their most popular products - Abbey Ale and Abbey cider. But with the demands of the divine office - the hours of the day set aside for prayer - he needs to enlist the help of estate manager Matt Noyce to meet their Christmas deadline.

Just over 60 miles away, it is a busy time at St Augustine’s Abbey for Father John and Brother Simon, who need to erect their traditional Nativity scene. But without the original instructions to help them, will they be able to complete the task?

Meanwhile, at the stunning Kylemore Abbey on the west coast of Ireland, Sister Genevieve and her team of nuns and staff are busy producing their bestsellers for the Christmas rush – Kylemore soap and the famous Kylemore fuchsia-design pottery. But will this heavenly production line be able to keep up with the festive demand?

Episode 3 - watch here

The Benedictine nuns of Kylemore Abbey on the west coast of Ireland embark on a new business venture, embracing the ancient craft of beekeeping to produce honey with a special flavour unique to the abbey.

For centuries, the traditional clothing worn by monks has been a black habit. At Quarr Abbey on the Isle of Wight, Brother Matthew, a monk in training, receives his very first habit, created by seamstress Julia, a lay person at the abbey.

At St Augustine’s Abbey in Chilworth, Surrey, Father John is preparing to leave the sanctuary of the abbey to source ingredients for his latest beauty product, a scented lip balm.