Disaster and a New Hope
During a thunderstorm, around midnight on 22nd August 1987, the community were awakened by the roaring sound of a fire which was engulfing the chapel. Guests had to be evacuated from the guest house and Mother Concordia rushed into the smoked filled chapel to rescue the Blessed Sacrament. The local fire brigade eventually got the fire under control, but the chapel was destroyed. It was the anniversary of the Dedication of the chapel!
Early next morning the community sang Lauds together in a makeshift chapel in the refectory. A local priest friend Fr. Jim Hurley came with vestments, liturgical books and all that was needed to celebrate Mass together. For the next 6 years the community celebrated the Liturgy alongside the guests and neighbours in this little chapel.
1987 was also special year of celebration for Minster Abbey as the community joyfully gave thanks to God for 50 years since the refounding of monastic life from St. Walburga’s in Eichstaat in 1937.
Two months after the fire, in October of that year, a hurricane swept the South East of England. The Abbey sustained some damage and, more seriously, a number of our ancient trees were destroyed. One of these however was later to find a new home as the altar in the new chapel.
After 6 years of fundraising and with the help of many generous friends, the new simple and beautiful Chapel of Our Lady and St. Andrew was dedicated on 4th June 1993. Here the community continues to gather for the celebration of Mass and the Divine Office. The Chapel houses relics of St Mildred and also a bronze statue of Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom,
1997 was the 1400th anniversary of St. Augustine’s mission to England. Minster Abbey welcomed pilgrims retracing the route of the missionaries from Rome, hosted ecumenical events and joined in the special celebrations taking place in St Augustine’s Abbey, Canterbury, and in Canterbury Cathedral. In the summer the Abbey provided the setting for a magnificent Son et Lumiere organized by the village community to celebrate the Jubilee.
Throughout the years each of the sisters continued to enrich the life of the community in so many ways. Many lived to a ripe old age and their spirit still lives on within the present community. At the same time the community continued to grow through the arrival of new members, each bringing their own particular gift to Minster Abbey.
Following her resignation as the 5th Prioress of Minster Abbey, the whole village community surprised Mother Concordia with a thanksgiving celebration to mark her retirement, and almost two hundred of our friends gathered in the gardens to sing “Amazing Grace” accompanied by a Scottish piper. This was a moving expression of their love and appreciation their beloved Sister Concordia!