It seems that the community at Elmore are looking to leave the overly large house in Newbury for more manageable premises in Salisbury.
I really admire these monks for their embodiment of persistence, a particularly Benedictine virtue, I'm told.
Of course, it's sad in many ways, and one could get sentimental about ends of eras and what is the future of Monasticism, but this is clearly a community decision in the best interests of the community in order that the community may continue to grow.
Of course, the modern era is obsessed by numerical size, the number of bums on pews. It would have been marvellous if the community had continued to grow in numbers, and I don't believe that this is entirely ruled out, but growth in spirituality is of greater value than the crude head count.
Unfortunately, too many of our Parishes seem intent on trying to increase their numbers (and thus their collection takings) rather than focussing on the spiritual health of the nation which is not very good if all be told. There are many out there who have some spiritual need which isn't being met by Parishes which sell themselves out for the quick pound.
This can't be said for the quartet of Benedictines beetling about Speen who have simply kept on keeping on and just keep growing. In some way, it can be said that they have out-grown Elmore Abbey! Please pray for them, and continue to pray for monastic vocations so that the number of real monks like these will grow as a result of, and further in, good spiritual growth.
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This subject keeps cropping up doesn't it? Seek ye first the kingdom of god and his righteousnes
and all these things shall be added unto you. (correct me if I quote wrongly) I find myself saying this alot lately. I truely believe that if we start first with prayer, get back to basics if you like, financial troubles will sort themselves out. Ive seem it happen with my own eyes. If what we do is truely of God and what God wants he will help us to rebuild, and to grow. If not he will soon make that obvious!! Interestly the most important thing is that this community of monks have not tied themselves to a building but are growing together. The people themselves being more important than the place. You can take the person out of the church, but you can't take the church out of the person.!
Sr Madge
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