Notre Dame de Rouen. The façade of the Gothic Church in France. Photographer: Hippo1947. Licence: SHUTTERSTOCK.

Tuesday 8 October 2024

Colwich Abbey. Reviving And Restoring A Benedictine Monastery In England. Can You Assist With A Small Donation ?



The Web-Site for Colwich Abbey, England,
can be found HERE


A New Chapter In Our Community’s History.

International Expansion.

As our community has continued to receive many vocations, including ones from abroad, the Abbey had been considering establishing another House for the Lord. 

While different options were under consideration, we were not thinking of any location outside America. 

But our international Sisters’ visas were placed in jeopardy by new U.S. regulations, so Sisters had to take refuge in England.

The Web-Site for Colwich Abbey, England,
can be found HERE



A family offered them a temporary home in Staffordshire, little realising that a permanent solution was practically at their doorstep.

The Sisters discovered that, fifteen miles away, Saint Mary’s Abbey, in Colwich, was for sale. 

A week after their arrival, the Sisters visited the Abbey grounds, and were quite taken by the buildings, the historical value of the place, and its rural setting. 

With a formal invitation from the Archbishop, it became clear the Lord wanted the Benedictines of Mary to stay in Staffordshire, and to do all in their power to restore Colwich Abbey to its former glory.

The Web-Site for Colwich Abbey, England, 
can be found HERE


Continuing A Precious Heritage.

Under The Protection Of The Immaculate.


When our Sisters landed in England, their first stop was to Saint Paul’s Cathedral, London, to offer the Holy Rosary. 

The new House is under the patronage of the Immaculate Conception, and they know that Saint Paul and all the Holy Martyrs of England will assist them in their missionary endeavour in England, traditionally called “Our Lady’s Dowry”. 

It was no surprise to learn that Colwich Abbey is properly called Saint Mary’s, and that the Towns around them are closely associated with the Martyrs of the Persecution.

The Web-Site for Colwich Abbey, England, 
can be found HERE



Learning the rich history of Colwich Abbey, we discovered that the Founders of the Abbey included three great-great-granddaughters of Saint Thomas More, who gathered in 1623 at Cambrai, France, after The Dissolution Of The English Monasteries in the 1500s. 

They then re-established themselves in Paris under Dame Bridget More, where they suffered during the French Revolution until they were deported back to England. 

They finally settled in an 18th-Century House at the edge of Cannock Chase, Staffordshire, a beautiful forest historically used for royal hunting. 

Due to dwindling numbers, the Abbey was put up for sale in 2020.

The Web-Site for Colwich Abbey, England, 
can be found HERE



It is our great hope and desire that our community can revive Monastic Life in this beautiful and historic Sanctuary. 

Until then, the Sisters have already brought the Benedictine “Ora Et Labora” [Pray And Work] to the Midlands, and we await God’s timing for the next step in this exciting endeavour.

Restoring And Conserving 
This Historic Sanctuary.

Visiting Colwich Abbey revealed much work to be done, and the Sisters will shoulder as much repair and restoration work as they can possibly undertake themselves. 

They are used to hard work ! Helping hands are on the way, as our community receives vocation enquiries every single day.

The Web-Site for Colwich Abbey, England, 
can be found HERE



And since word has spread about this possibility, the European inquiries have grown considerably ! Over time, they will be welcoming more and more Sisters to our English House as space is prepared and restored.

Nevertheless, it is clear that the Sisters will need to engage professional labourers, and the Order is already financially engaged in two building projects in the United States. 

The “surprise English Foundation” in Colwich will hopefully receive generous financial backing from within their new home in England and nearby Europe. 

However, in the end, we know it is going to be an international network of grace and support that will see this project through.

The Web-Site for Colwich Abbey, England, 
can be found HERE



There is first the £2.5 Million purchase that will be due to Stanbrook Abbey for the acquisition of Colwich Abbey and its grounds.

Next, there will be the expenses of repairing and updating the building, which will be quite extensive. It will also be necessary to furnish the Abbey, as nearly all contents were put up for auction a few years ago. 

Purchasing and installing the High Altar in the Church, and making accommodations for the Faithful to assist at Mass, will be the final expenditures needed for preparing the Abbey. This brings the total cost to at least £4 Million.

Any gift or pledge, large or small, will ensure the success of this exciting project to re-establish Colwich Abbey and Found an International House for the Benedictines of Mary.

The Web-Site for Colwich Abbey, England, 
can be found HERE



Until the community has established itself as a non-profit organisation in England, all gifts may be made to the Founding Abbey in the USA. 

Please put “Colwich” in the Notes Box to designate your gift is for the new Colwich Abbey.

Payments can be made by Credit Card Online, Check in U.S. Dollars, or Bank Wire. 

If you are making a large gift, please consider a Wire Transfer to avoid Processing Fees. 

Our EIN number is 20-4450092 and the mailing address of the Abbey is below.

The Web-Site for Colwich Abbey, England, 
can be found HERE



Perhaps you may consider leaving a bequest to the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, in your Will, or you can tell others about this endeavour to re-open this ancient House of Prayer.

As England has always been known as “Our Lady’s Dowry”, please join us in Prayer that we may restore this little portion of England to her !

Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles.
8005 NW 316th Street,
Gower, Missouri 64454,
United States of America.

Donate Now.

All gifts are Tax-Deductible !

We are a duly registered 501c3 charitable organisation, 
and so are able to issue acknowledgement letters 
suitable for IRS purposes.

Our EIN Number is 20-4450092.

You may donate by Credit Card or PayPal below:


Or send a Check by U.S. Mail, payable to:
Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles.
8005 NW 316th Street,
Gower, Missouri 64454,
United States of America.

The Web-Site for Colwich Abbey, England,
can be found HERE


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