Five brothers from Crawley Circle made the perilous public transport journey across Sussex, Hampshire and the Solent, to spend a few days on retreat at Quarr Abbey - the Benedictine Monastery near Fishbourne on the north coast of the Isle of Wight.
Services were attended throughout the day - from Matins at 0530hrs to Compline 2000hrs, some in English, others in Latin, in the impressive and beautiful Abbey Church.
The sun very favourably shone on our intrepid visitors, making the visit all the more enjoyable - aside from the already peaceful tranquillity that the Monastic order provides.
Local walks were taken at various stages around the grounds, to the old Abbey ruins close by, to Fishbourne for local refreshments, and in the local Abbey woods walk - open only to monastic guests.
Visitors to the monastery stay in the guest wing, and eat with the monks for lunch and dinner, with breakfast being taken separately in silence.
All in all a wonderful few days in fine company, in a fine location, and with an excellent mix of spirituality and Spirituality.
A highly recommended visit for those wishing to find peaceful succour in this turbulent world - the Guest Master, Fr Nicholas, can be contacted through the Quarr Abbey website - with the monastery by way of recompense asking only for contributions that visitors think they can afford.
