Excerpt from The Benedictines of Caldey Island: Containing the History, Purpose, Method, and Summary of the Rule of the Benedictines of the Isle of Caldey, S. Wales; (Formerly of Painsthorpe, York)

Might easily recur. It 'is therefore pleasant to record how uniformly cordial my relations have been with the Abbot and all the Community. When they first came here, having neither priest nor chapel, they were obliged to come to the parish church for Holy Communion. But they did not content themselves with that. Though their many Oflices took up much time, they yet came regularly to the Sunday morning and evening services, sang in the Choir (one being organist for half the time they were here), and helped in the Sunday School. One Of them started a Class for farm lads, which proved a great success, attracting a large number, and bringing many to Confirmation and Holy Communion. If the Regulars and Seculars had always worked together as we have done, many reasons for Dissolution would have been non-existent. But it is a happy augury for the future; for though on Caldey Island there are no parochial Clergy, and the Islanders are' entirely dependent on the Community for all spiritual ministrations, we look for developments in time to come, when Communities are scattered over the country, supplementing the ordinary ministrations, caring for neglected spots, bringing new life and energy to brighten many a lonely and despondent priest, and give him fresh hope. This is looking at the active Side of Community life (natural to a parish priest), rather than at its contemplative side. But the fact that, though primarily a Contemplative Order, they have found lines Of active work not incompatible, even at this early stage in their history, with personal spiritual development, holds out hope for much definite practical work when they have men trained and ready to go where they are wanted. And Caldey Island, with its traditions Of missionary activity, Should be an incentive to this. The saints Of Iona and Lindisfarne found those Islands, away from the haunts Of men, centres of spiritual strength, in the power of which they could go forth and teach and organize over large areas. But this necessarily lies in the future. For the present there is plenty to do at, home. There are buildings to erect, much to get into order, which will tax their energies to the full. English Church people, clergy and laity, have already shown much interest in, and sympathy with, the movement. The use made of the Guest House at Painsthorpe during the last two years is an evidence of this, and Of the desire on the part of many to get into touch with the real lifefiof the Community, and reap Spiritual refreshment from it. In their new surroundings it is natural to expect that the area of interest will be widened, for with the acquisition Of the.

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