Our Community
The monks of Worth Abbey follow the Rule of Saint Benedict as interpreted in the traditions and Constitutions of the English Benedictine Congregation.
Abbot Mark's journey to Catholic faith began in his late teens with an "intellectual conversion." In sixth form, despite not yet being Christian, he defended Jesus as the Son of God in a school debate, sparking deeper exploration of faith. Through thoughtful reflection, he became convinced of the Gospels' claims, culminating in his confirmation into the Catholic Church.
His first encounter with Worth Abbey came from an architectural curiosity sparked by a black-and-white postcard. A night visit left a profound impression on him, leading to multiple visits and eventually joining Worth Abbey's youth community. Mark’s monastic path involved gradual commitment stages, ultimately resulting in his solemn vows.
Abbot Mark was elected in 2021. His role requires maintaining a balance between spiritual leadership of the monastic community and more practical responsibilities
He identifies key strategic challenges, including declining vocations and financial pressures. To address these, Abbot Mark is engaging newcomers, inspiring monastic interest, and delegating operational tasks to staff, aiming to sustain the monastic community while navigating modern demands.
Br. Anthony’s journey to monastic life began with his deep attraction to the Rule of St. Benedict and the sense of humanity he saw at Worth Abbey. Visiting the monastery at 18 left a lasting impact, and his experience of living alongside monks later in East Dulwich reinforced his desire for a faith-based community way of life.
Initially advised to explore secular life, he felt an enduring pull toward monasticism that led him back to the Abbey 17 years later, a calling confirmed by the community’s support.
Br. Anthony’s faith guides his daily life. It encourages him to seek God’s Kingdom in the small and ordinary events and encounters of life. Through Scripture, he seeks to listen to God’s guidance and grow towards a life of selflessness and service to others. His faith journey has fostered a more secure sense of self, rooted in God’s love rather than external validation.
Looking to the future, Br. Anthony hopes to deepen his reliance on God, caring less about status and more about allowing God to work through him for others. The future offers an opportunity to grow in faith and openness to whatever God has planned.
Fr Peter joined the Worth community in his mid 30s. The year before he joined, he had spent with the Christian meditation centre community (now the WCCM), having had a profound spiritual awakening which led him to seek God through deep prayer. It was only during this year that he discerned he might have a monastic vocation.
After visiting Worth Abbey, he felt a strong sense of being called to join the community, which he duly did the following year (1994). After being professed he was ordained a priest in 2000 and started working in Worth School. There, as well as being a house chaplain he also ran the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and coached the fencing team. His last 7 years in the school were spent as the senior chaplain.
Since 2021, Fr. Peter has been the monastic Prior and also been responsible for running the Worth Retreat Centre programme in the retreat centre – St Bruno’s. Fr Peter is a gifted retreat giver and is also a spiritual director. He has also practised tai chi for many years and enjoys walking.
Fr. Peter’s story is one of spiritual awakening, leading him to a life of service and helping others on their own faith journeys.
Fr. Patrick grew up in a Catholic family in Southern England, though he felt disconnected from his faith during his early education in Catholic schools. In secondary school, he spent weekends with the RAF cadets' gliding school and this meant missing regular parish mass.
At university, Fr. Patrick rediscovered faith through events with an evangelical Christian group, the Navigators, which led him to embrace his religious roots after a transformative experience nine months later.
Encouraged by friends, Fr. Patrick explored a calling to the priesthood. Though the secular priesthood didn’t appeal to him and his friends, a visit to Worth Abbey inspired a new path. There, they felt drawn to monastic life, and he and his friends launched the Worth Abbey Lay Community (now the Lay Community of Saint Benedict), integrating laypeople into monastic life. Fr. Patrick later joined the Worth community, finding purpose in Benedictine prayer and communal living. His journey deepened through studies in Collegeville, Minnesota, and a unique practice he calls "Lectio Divina on the land" in which he connects with God through being in places of spiritual, historical and personal significance.
His current roles include overseeing the Infirmary, Liturgy, Archives, and receiving guests.
Fr Philip’s journey to becoming a Benedictine monk was shaped by his family’s rich heritage, international experiences, and a deep connection to music and education. His calling was a gradual realisation, influenced by his Catholic upbringing and his brother’s monastic life at Downside Abbey. Born to a family with roots in India and Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Fr Philip’s father’s conversion to Catholicism had a profound impact on his spiritual path. Inspired by his brother’s journey, he felt a growing connection to monasticism. Fr Philip's academic pursuits took him to Cambridge, Switzerland, and the Rhodesian Music Academy, where he received excellent musical training. Music became a central part of his life, leading him to serve as Organist, Choirmaster, and Head of Music at Worth School. Despite fulfilling work in Rhodesia and Malawi, Fr Philip felt more and more drawn to monastic life. His decision to join Worth Abbey brought him peace and a sense of purpose. His travels to monasteries in Africa and America deepened his understanding of global monastic practices and community life. Fr Philip continues to emphasise the importance of vision and dedication, both in his own spiritual journey and in guiding young people considering a monastic path.
Fr. Aidan’s journey to monastic life began as a Chemistry student at Imperial College when a transformative visit to Worth Abbey sparked a calling that gradually led him to join the monastery at age 28.
Living now in Kemptown, Brighton, Fr. Aidan openly expresses his faith by wearing his habit around town, which often invites conversations about faith and the Benedictine lifestyle. His role at St. John the Baptist’s Church and Community Hub, "The Fitz," extends this outreach, where he and two other monks (the Monks in the City community) provide opportunities for prayer and reflection, inviting the wider community to explore Benedictine wisdom. The monastic values of obedience and communal life have profoundly shaped Fr. Aidan, who hopes these practices have nurtured greater tolerance, compassion, and understanding in him.
Sacred scriptures, such as Jesus’ invitation to “Come and see” and the reminder from Matthew 25:37-40 of serving Christ through acts of kindness, deeply resonate with him.
Now in his mid-seventies, Fr. Aidan sees this time as a phase for deepening his compassion and spiritual growth. He envisions it as a “Christian Sanyasa” or “afternoon of life,” a period where wisdom and maturity can further enrich his faith journey.
Fr Christopher's biography and photo will be uploaded shortly.
Fr. Alex was raised in a devout Goan Catholic family. He initially pursued a career in physics to reconcile his scientific mindset with his deep religious faith.
While studying at Imperial College London in the 1970s, Fr. Alex lived through a time of significant cultural and societal change. Despite these shifts and the personal challenges they brought, he remained committed to his religious practices, staying firmly rooted in his faith throughout. Soon after, a transformative retreat at Worth Abbey marked a turning point in his spiritual journey, where he felt an extraordinary sense of belonging. This experience led him to embrace monastic life and initially teaching mathematics at Worth School. Fr. Alex continued his intellectual exploration, with priestly studies of philosophy, theology, and social sciences, and later training in Jungian analysis and Gestalt therapy. These studies deepened his understanding of the spiritual dimensions of physical and psychological healing. Prayer is central to his life, and he believes in its power to heal and transform. He also emphasises the importance of using relatable language to connect with both faith communities and those outside them. Fr. Alex’s life is one of intellectual and spiritual convergence, seeking to serve both God and humanity with humility and justice.
Fr. James’s journey to monastic life began with clarity upon encountering the Worth Abbey community. Initially a teacher, he later embraced the Benedictine habit, finding happiness in monastery life.
After four years, he faced a pivotal choice between monastic commitment or pursuing a career and family. Through prayer, he ultimately chose to remain in the monastery—a decision he’s upheld for over 50 years without regret.
Fr. James’s faith shapes his life, guiding his actions and decisions with a focus on choosing the “Good Spirit” over temptation, though he admits occasional struggles. He feels his faith and monastic lifestyle have transformed him, though he humbly defers to others to judge his growth.
Certain texts and teachings hold particular significance for Fr. James. He resonates with the words of D.H. Lawrence: “The heart of life is implacable in its kindness,” as well as the powerful message from One Corinthians 1:18: “For the message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
Looking ahead, Fr. James aspires to grow in confidence, compassion, and spiritual strength, aiming to deepen his commitment to both his community and the monastic life he cherishes.
Fr Paul’s journey to monastic life began with a gradual calling during his adolescence, influenced by the chaplains at his Catholic school. By the age of 11-13, he sensed a desire to become a priest.
However, it wasn’t until his early 20s, after completing university, that he fully embraced this path, joining the monastery in 1974 at age 22. Despite doubts about living the demanding life of a monk, his deep sense of purpose guided him.
Fr Paul’s work extended beyond the monastery. He worked with homeless men in a shelter, reinforcing his desire to serve those in need. His missionary work in South America, particularly in Brazil, saw him supporting the Landless Movement (MST), helping farmers advocate for land rights.
Inspired by the Rule of St. Benedict, especially the chapter on hospitality, Fr Paul views welcoming the poor as a way to serve Christ. Reflecting on the future of monastic life, he believes that while religious communities may become smaller, the instinct to seek God will ensure the survival of faith. Fr Paul sees his life as a meaningful dedication to this purpose.
Fr. Luke Jolly's path to monastic life unfolded gradually during his 20s. While maintaining a regular prayer life, he initially explored options like career and marriage before feeling called to monastic life. Faith has profoundly shaped Fr. Luke's daily life and decision-making. He brings a sense of peace and clarity, helping others navigate their own challenges. The structured, respectful nature of monastic living provides stability that contrasts sharply with the lack of mutual understanding he often observes in the outside world.
Faith has been a transformative force for Fr. Luke, offering meaning and protection against despair. A particularly resonant passage for him is, "The time has come, the kingdom of God is close at hand: repent and believe the Good News.” In 1980, Fr. Luke entered Worth Abbey, where he was later ordained in 1985 and elected Abbot in 2013 - becoming the first former student of Worth School to hold this role. As abbot, he nurtured the monastic community, guided the development of a lay youth ministry team in the School, and established a small monastic community in Brighton.
Fr. Luke is also known for his spiritual guidance, including contributions to the BBC documentary series "The Monastery." Over the years, he has served in various roles within the monastic community, offering counsel and wisdom.
Father Rod’s journey to monastic life began in a close-knit Catholic family where early faith experiences left a lasting impression. He first felt a calling to the priesthood at age 10 but later focused on architecture, completing his professional qualifications in 1980. While at Brighton, his involvement with the Sussex and Brighton university chaplaincy reawakened his faith. A visit to Worth Abbey, where he encountered a vibrant and devout community, deepened his spiritual connection, leading him to return regularly for monastic liturgies. After spending a formative year at Worth Abbey, Father Rod discerned a renewed vocation to the priesthood. He joined as a novice in 1980, taking solemn vows four years later and was ordained a priest in 1985. Over the years, he has served in diverse roles, including teaching, parish ministry, and leading the monastery’s retreat centre - fostering connections between monastic life and lay spirituality. Currently, he is the Catholic chaplain to Sussex University and oversees St Mary Magdalene Church in central Brighton, offering pastoral care and a sanctuary of prayer in the heart of the city. Passionate about accessible faith spaces, Father Rod envisions smaller urban monastic communities as the future, adapting the Benedictine tradition to meet modern spiritual needs, while staying deeply rooted in its Catholic identity.
Fr. Martin’s journey to monastic life came to a head during his time at Durham University in the mid-1980s. Though attracted to monasticism, he had battled with uncertainty for several years. His indecision ended during a prayer meeting when he randomly opened the Bible at Psalm 109: “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” This moment clarified his calling, and gave him the courage to pursue monastic life.
Now a monk at Worth Abbey, Fr. Martin follows the Rule of St. Benedict, which guides him in a life of obedience, community, and prayer. He acknowledges his own imperfections but believes that through perseverance he will grow in faith, hope, and love. His faith, rooted in the Bible and the Rule of St. Benedict, has helped, he trusts, to make him more compassionate and self-aware.
Looking to the future, Fr. Martin sees Christianity continuing to decline in an ever increasingly materialistic world but believes that monastic life will provide a sanctuary for those seeking to live a more meaningful life.
He views the monastery as a place where people can reconnect with their humanity, offering hope in a world being increasingly shaped by technology.
Fr. Gabriel’s journey to monastic life began at 23, after completing his university degree. During a retreat at Taizé with the Lay Community of St. Benedict, he witnessed a member make their Solemn Profession, which sparked a deep attraction to the monastic life.
This led to a period of inner conflict as he grappled with the decision between a secular life and a call to the monastery.
Despite his initial uncertainty, Gabriel started to open up to friends about his feelings and, in a moment of prayer, surrendered to God’s will. He prayed, “If this is what you want me to do, then okay,” and in that moment, all his confusion and emotional turmoil faded, replaced with a profound sense of peace and certainty that he was being called to the monastic life.
Now, Fr. Gabriel’s faith is the foundation of his life and decision-making. He strives to love as God loves, making decisions with others’ needs in mind. No longer seeking validation from others, he finds peace in the knowledge that he is loved by God, and trusts in God’s plan for the future, whatever it may hold.
Fr. David’s journey to monastic life began in his childhood within the Anglican Church. Born into a devout family, his sense of vocation was first stirred when he joined the local parish choir aged just 8. The beauty of the church music and services left a lasting impression, and the biblical story of Samuel’s call resonated deeply with him, marking his first sense of being called to something greater.
As a teenager, a visit to an Anglican monastery further nurtured this calling and gave him a glimpse of the contemplative life. Though he struggled academically due to dyslexia, his love for learning grew as he worked in libraries and bookshops, enriching his faith and intellect. He later pursued ordination in the Anglican Church and was ordained in 1976, serving in various parishes.
After years of reflection and guidance from a spiritual director, visits to Benedictine monasteries solidified his desire for monastic life. In 2008, he entered Worth Abbey and, after a period of discernment, made his solemn profession in 2013.
Fr. David was ordained to the priesthood in 2021, now embracing the rhythm of prayer, community, and reflection central to Benedictine life.
We have been supported by Contemporary Head Shot to produce short biographies on our Community. This was part of a larger artistic project on people’s faith journeys.
