Douai Abbey is a community of monks of the English Benedictine Congregation situated between Reading and Newbury, in the Royal County of Berkshire, about one hour west of London.
Origins
The community was founded in 1615 in Paris, the third house of the re-established English congregation. Here it became closely associated with the cause of the Stuart pretenders to the English throne, as well as being frequented by English travellers to Paris, among them men of note such as Dr Johnson. The majority of the monks were, however, serving in Catholic missions in England, often at great risk to their lives. Having suffered greatly during the French revolution the monastery moved in 1818 to the town of Douai in Flanders, now in northern France. This town is famous for having been a refuge for English Catholics in penal times, and from it emerged the Douai-Rheims Bible as well as a host of priests to serve the persecuted Church in England. The community cherishes ever-strengthening links with the town to this day.
From France to Woolhampton
It was after its arrival in Douai that the community started a school, primarily for the education of boys destined for the priesthood, while maintaining an increasing commitment to the parochial mission in England. It was in this period that Douai monks began to be appointed as Bishops of Port Louis in Mauritius, the territory of which at one stage included Australia, where several Douai monks also ministered. By the end of the nineteenth century the political situation in France was becoming inimical to religious orders. In 1903, three years after having been raised to the status of an abbey, the community had no choice but to leave Douai after the passing of the Association Laws. The Bishop of Portsmouth offered them St Mary's seminary in Woolhampton, which the refugee community accepted.
Looking to the Future
At Woolhampton the community hopes to have found a permanent home. The Abbey Church, the construction of which began in 1929, was finally completed in 1993. Sadly economic imperatives forced the closure of Douai School in 1999. The old school buildings are being redeveloped as private housing, and many new neighbours have now moved in. The monastery, built in 1966, is being refurbished, and a new refectory and extra guest accommodation was opened in 2006: an appeal to build a library has also been launched. Towards the end of 2005 we were invited to start a small community back in Douai, France, a return to our roots which we pray will bear fruit. In the meantime the community of 29 monks continues its activities in parochial ministry, the giving of retreats and lectures, study and hospitality. Remaining at the heart of our life, as for all Benedictines, is the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours, the Mass and lectio divina..
We hope that you will enjoy your visit to our website. Even more, we hope to see you at the Abbey!
Origins
The community was founded in 1615 in Paris, the third house of the re-established English congregation. Here it became closely associated with the cause of the Stuart pretenders to the English throne, as well as being frequented by English travellers to Paris, among them men of note such as Dr Johnson. The majority of the monks were, however, serving in Catholic missions in England, often at great risk to their lives. Having suffered greatly during the French revolution the monastery moved in 1818 to the town of Douai in Flanders, now in northern France. This town is famous for having been a refuge for English Catholics in penal times, and from it emerged the Douai-Rheims Bible as well as a host of priests to serve the persecuted Church in England. The community cherishes ever-strengthening links with the town to this day.
From France to Woolhampton
It was after its arrival in Douai that the community started a school, primarily for the education of boys destined for the priesthood, while maintaining an increasing commitment to the parochial mission in England. It was in this period that Douai monks began to be appointed as Bishops of Port Louis in Mauritius, the territory of which at one stage included Australia, where several Douai monks also ministered. By the end of the nineteenth century the political situation in France was becoming inimical to religious orders. In 1903, three years after having been raised to the status of an abbey, the community had no choice but to leave Douai after the passing of the Association Laws. The Bishop of Portsmouth offered them St Mary's seminary in Woolhampton, which the refugee community accepted.
Looking to the Future
At Woolhampton the community hopes to have found a permanent home. The Abbey Church, the construction of which began in 1929, was finally completed in 1993. Sadly economic imperatives forced the closure of Douai School in 1999. The old school buildings are being redeveloped as private housing, and many new neighbours have now moved in. The monastery, built in 1966, is being refurbished, and a new refectory and extra guest accommodation was opened in 2006: an appeal to build a library has also been launched. Towards the end of 2005 we were invited to start a small community back in Douai, France, a return to our roots which we pray will bear fruit. In the meantime the community of 29 monks continues its activities in parochial ministry, the giving of retreats and lectures, study and hospitality. Remaining at the heart of our life, as for all Benedictines, is the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours, the Mass and lectio divina..
We hope that you will enjoy your visit to our website. Even more, we hope to see you at the Abbey!
