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Blessing of the New Statue of St Benedict – Sunday 23rd August
Following Sunday morning Mass on 23rd August, the Abbot and monastic community, joined by members of the Lay Community of St Benedict (LCSB) gathered in the Abbey Church for a special blessing of the new statue of St Benedict. This blessing was timed to correspond with the LCSB’s summer gathering and was also attended by parishioners.
The statue was blessed with holy water and incense, marking its formal dedication. Richard Watts, a long-standing member of the LCSB and the sculptor of the statue, was invited to share a few words. He spoke movingly about what it meant to him to create a sculpture of the young St Benedict, capturing the moment he set out to explore his monastic vocation. Richard explained that he chose Portland stone for the piece to harmonise with the existing Ambo, altar, and font in the Abbey Church.
The event was beautifully documented by Michael Woodward, who kindly took a series of wonderful photographs that capture the spirit and significance of the occasion.
A video recording of the blessing—though not professionally produced—offers a warm and authentic glimpse into the ceremony and can be viewed here.
