Pluscarden Abbey to hold free televised retreat

PLUSCARDEN ABBEY in Elgin, Morayshire, is to run its own version of the popular television programme The Monastery from June 4 to June 8, writes Bob King.
The 13th-century abbey is holding a free monastic retreat for single Catholic men aged 18 to 40 with the same format as the monastic experience weekends held at the abbey in previous years.
Fr Augustine Holmes, the abbey's novice master, said participants will live the same life as the monks and follow the monastic timetable. "They will be in choir with the monks, do some leetio divina, pray as we do, eat in the monastic refectory and do some manual work with the brethren each afternoon," he said, adding that there will also be talks on subjects such as the meaning-of monastic life and prayer, as well as a tour of the abbey and an opportunity to speak to the brethren. If you are interested in participating, e-mail [email protected], or write to Fr Holmes at Pluscarden Abbey, Elgin IV30 8UA.