Saturday 19 January 2013

Plusarden Abbey in Retreat News



  
The combination of the retreats on offer and the idyllic setting prompted Travel Magazine to name Pluscarden Abbey as one of the world's top spiritual retreats


Pluscarden Abbey is named a top retreat
Travel Magazine identifies the Scottish Benedictine Abbey as one of world's top destinations
Scottish Catholic Observer Jan 18 2013

By Martin Dunlop
THE Benedictine monks at Pluscarden received high praise when their abbey home was named as one of the top spiritual retreats in the world by Travel Magazine.
Pluscarden Abbey, near Elgin, in Aberdeen Diocese, was founded in 1230 when a community of monks first came to the Moray area and is the only mediaeval monastery in the country that remains inhabited by monks who use the building for its original purpose.
A review by Travel Magazine has said that Pluscarden Abbey, which offers a peaceful and prayerful atmosphere for guests to enjoy a retreat, will 'convert and surprise' visitors who might be seeking an escape to 'a simple life of centuries past.'
Church reaction
Bishop Hugh Gilbert of Aberdeen, Abbot Emeritus of Pluscarden, was pleased to hear that his former home had received such commendation.
"I am delighted to hear of this recognition," Bishop Gilbert, who was abbot of Pluscarden from 1992 to 2011, when he was appointed Bishop of Aberdeen, said. "Pluscarden's motto is: 'In this place I will give peace.' I pray that many may avail themselves of the hospitality of the monastery and find peace with God."
Top retreat
The monastery at Pluscarden enjoys the peace and stillness of a secluded glen and retreats are open to those of all faiths.
The monks sing Mass and full Divine Office each day in the abbey church, using Gregorian chant.
"Even in this remote nook they move with the times," the Pluscarden review continued. "Festive CDs of Gregorian chanting in the gift shop are accompanied by monk-made cosmetics.
"Pluscarden's retreats, offered free as part of their Benedictine vocation, are a chance to escape to a simpler life of centuries past."
Those seeking a true escape from mod­ern ways are told: "For the full experience, rise for a 4.45am vigil and watch the sun
seeping through the kaleidoscopic stained glass in the apse."
Guests at Pluscarden are invited to participate in daily chores at the abbey, from gardening to helping with the washing up, but according to the review they will 'leave more rested than from any five-star hotel.'




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