Benedictine monks visit Winchester Cathedral (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Benedictine monks visit Winchester Cathedral

10:46am Wednesday 13th February 2008

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TWO monks from the Benedictine Abbey of Fleury, on the Loire in France, Brother Joseph and Brother Tanguy, are spending this week at Winchester Cathedral.

The Dean of Winchester, The Very Revd James Atwell, said: "Fleury is the spiritual rock from which we were hewn. It is a Benedictine Abbey on the Loire in France, and ultimately the life of that Abbey was the inspiration of the Benedictine life founded at Winchester.

"It is in acknowledgement of that pedigree that we say the Fleury prayer daily at Evensong. A special relationship has developed between our two communities, and the Abbot of Fleury has generously sent two monks to live in the Close from Saturday, February 9 to Saturday February 16.

"They are going to help us deepen our journey of faith and prayer by enabling us to encounter the living Benedictine tradition which they represent. The whole Cathedral community is invited to make the very most of this visit. Potentially there is a possibility to receive Christ in those very special guests that we shall welcome.

"The monks join us for the daily round of worship throughout their stay. They will spend half an hour each day with the Chapter reflecting on the rule of St. Benedict.

"There is also be a short daily service with brief address by one of the monks at 12.30pm in the Lady Chapel. That daily anchor is open to all and will be over before 1pm.

"They were with us for the Cathedral Open Evening yesterday (February 12) and available to speak to people.

"On Friday (February 15) at 7pm, the eve of their departure, there will be an open talk on Fleury and its Monastic Life in the Priors' Hall to which all are welcome. As a light supper will be available on this occasion the event will be ticketed. Tickets are available from the Cathedral and from the Cathedral Office.

"Apart form these events, the monks will simply be rubbing shoulders as part of the normal activities of the week. There should, therefore, be plenty of opportunity to encounter them. Please do make our two special guests welcome when you come across them. Their very presence will be a sign of our being a Benedictine foundation. Their being with us has the potential to stir us all to a springtime of the Spirit this Lent."

Yesterday's open evening was a relaxed event attended by more than 400 people.

Events included a display by stonemasons, a concert and all the tours were booked full.

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