Milton Abbey Church and Landscape
Before the Reformation in 1540, the Abbey was a community of Benedictine monks. One of the Benedictine rules is to welcome all visitors as if you were welcoming Christ himself. We continue to welcome visitors according to this Benedictine rule and our staff, volunteer stewards and guides are responsible for offering our visitors a high quality experience and warm welcome.
Behind the scenes, volunteers help with everything from fundraising to refreshments. If you have a few hours a week to spare, we would love to hear from you. In return for donating their time and skills, our volunteers receive free entry to The Abbey Exhibitions, personal training, and have the satisfaction of knowing that they are helping to preserve over a thousand years of history for future generations.
‘Hour of the Blackbird’ charity single collaboration – Dorset duo Ninebarrow with Hart Voices and The Chantry Singers Oh the…
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These texts are taken from the Rule of St Benedict (RB) and are as relevant today as when he first recorded them Circa AD 500.
“Make prayer the first step in anything worthwhile that you attempt. Persevere and do not weaken in that prayer”.
RB Prologue
God is placed at the centre of our lives through communal worship. “Nothing must be put before the worship of God”.
RB 43
Everything comes from God and shows forth God’s glory. This awareness of the goodness of God’s creation will be seen in our care for the environment. “Regard all utensils and goods of the monastery as sacred vessels of the altar”.
RB 31
We grow as individuals through a life of inter-dependence.
“They should each try to be first to show respect to the other, supporting with the greatest patience one another’s weaknesses of body or behaviour”.
RB 72
In serving others we meet Christ and grow in love of each other.
“People are not to pursue what they judge best for themselves, but instead, what they judge is best for others”.
RB 72
We are honest about our strengths and weaknesses and treat others with the reverence due to people made in God’s image and likeness.
“Let him recall that he is always seen by God in heaven, that his actions everywhere are in God’s sight”.
RB 7
God is faithful to us and we find our true selves in stable and committed relationships.
“Never give a hollow greeting of peace or turn away when someone needs your love”.
RB 4
We are aware that to do what God asks of us requires careful listening for his voice in our hearts and in our encounters with other people.
“Listen carefully to the master’s instructions… with the ear of your heart”.
RB Prologue
People are different and have been gifted with different strengths and weaknesses. The abbot and the lifestyle should take these differences into account.
“He must so arrange everything that the strong have something to yearn for and the weak nothing to run from”.
RB 64
We welcome the newcomer as we would welcome Christ ‘with the warmth of love’.
“All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ, for he himself will say: I was a stranger and you welcomed me”.
RB 53
Silence is required for prayer and reflection especially for prayerfully pondering Scripture and relating it to our lives. “What dear brothers and sisters is more delightful than this voice of the Lord calling to us?”.
RB Prologue