Saint Augustine (abbey)

Introduction

The foundation stone for the Abbey was laid in 1890, when the Victorian building was constructed as a Franciscan Friary.

History

In 1945, the Friars were asked to take on the pastoral care of a newly formed Catholic parish, a largely rural area between Guildford and Dorking. The Friars withdrew from Chilworth in 2010, leaving the Friary for good. The first Friars took up residence in 1892.

Architecture and furnishings

The church is of cruciform plan with a gabled tower to the east at the crossing, and has a pentice aisle to the north and a north chancel chapel with battlemented parapet. The interior has a wood block floor, three small chapels to the north with moulded surrounds, a gallery across the west end, and a tall chancel arch with canopied figures to either side in triptych form. The church has a rood screen and organ in the chancel arch, a flat chancel roof with 'sunburst' bosses to panels, a large canopied and crocketed reredos, and an alabaster and marble altar. The floor of the church was restored to its original condition by removing the platform that had supported the modern altar, revealing parquet patterning in oak and teak on the three altar steps.

Music and liturgy

The monks sing the Divine Office daily, often in Latin Gregorian Chant. The monks often sing and pray in Gregorian Chant as monks have done for centuries.

The monks do not celebrate Mass in the Extraordinary Form, sometimes called Tridentine. The monks' practice of facing East was influenced by Joseph Ratzinger's book The Spirit of the Liturgy.

Parish life

The monks celebrate Mass in the Ordinary Form, with Introit, Alleluia, Offertory, Communion and Ordinary all sung in Latin Plainsong settings, and the Prayers and Readings in English. The abbey runs a monastic guesthouse open to men and women aged 18 and over, with four basic guest rooms and shared facilities. The abbey's monastic guesthouse is open year round, excluding Christmastide and the monks' annual retreat.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available at the Abbey for individuals in person, by appointment only. The ceremony of Oblation takes place during Mass at the Abbey, where the Oblate reads the promise aloud, signs it, and places it on the altar. The monks actively welcome questions and visits from men considering their vocation.

Notable people and events

The architect of the Grade II listed Benedictine Abbey Church and monastery was F. A. Walters, who also designed St John's Seminary at Wonersh and Buckfast Abbey.

Visiting

Guests at the monastic guesthouse must book at least one month in advance. The abbey has two road entrances, both with free car parks, the first marked by a large Crucifix leading to the Abbey Church and Monastic Guesthouse entrances. The abbey is under one mile south of The Pilgrims' Way/North Downs Way.