News from the Priory

Much of the story of December had to do with learning to live on this property which has become our new home. This involved developing a rhythm of community life for our changed situation, within the existing rhythm of our prayer life, which remains the same wherever we are. So, rotas of meal provision, house cleaning, gardening work and so on have been agreed to after considering various possibilities.

December 2025 News – Settling into St Benedict’s Monastery in HarkervilleRead More »

To say that the month of November was eventful for the monastic community would be something of an understatement.

The application to register the transfer of the Harkerville property was lodged at the Cape Town deeds office at the beginning of the month. It was rejected a week later due to a technicality, which was corrected and the application was re-submitted the next day. This meant that the registration would probably not be effected before the date we had agreed with the removal company. Re-scheduling our relocation would have complicated matters in various ways best avoided; the then-current owners of the property graciously allowed us to move onto the property before registration if need be, and generously waived their right to occupational rental.

So, preparations to relocate began in earnest, including finalizing what to take and where to put it. We entered an extended period of separation from people and places we had been regularly interacting with while resident at Volmoed. On 10 November, the Monday of our final full week at Volmoed, Brs Aelred and Mpumelelo hiked up to the Cross on the ridge overlooking the Volmoed property and waited there for the early morning mist to clear so they could admire the spectacular views. Br Aelred attended his final Monday art class with Alyson Guy. Br Josias visited the Ithemba special needs centre for the last time on the following day.

November 2025 News – Establishing St Benedict’s Monastery in HarkervilleRead More »