St Cecilia's Abbey, Ryde, Benedictine monastery in Ryde, England
St Cecilia's Abbey is a Benedictine monastery in Ryde on the Isle of Wight, comprising a monastic complex with cloisters and a church designed by architect Edward Goldie. The buildings stand near Appley House and continue to function as an active convent where a community of nuns lives and worships.
The monastery was founded in 1882 when French nuns relocated to England due to anti-clerical laws, establishing their permanent home here in 1901. The settlement became a refuge for religious communities facing persecution in their homeland.
The nuns sing Gregorian chant daily during Mass and the Divine Office, a practice that shapes the rhythm of life within these walls. Visitors can hear this sacred singing during services and witness how this ancient tradition remains central to the community's spiritual life.
Visitors can purchase handmade items such as altar breads, candles, and other products created by the nuns to support the community's self-sufficient operations. These goods are produced in small quantities on site, allowing you to directly support the residents through your purchase.
In 1974, the nuns became the first female religious community in the United Kingdom to record Gregorian chants following Pope Paul VI's directive. These recordings capture a form of sacred music that the community has maintained with deep devotion ever since.
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