11th July 2026

Fr Abbot and the Monastic Community of Buckfast were deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe in such tragic and disturbing circumstances.

Ann was a frequent worshipper in the Abbey Church, attending our Sunday Solemn Mass and notably attended our Holy Week and Easter services. Many in our worshipping community knew her as a kind and warm character. She will be missed and fondly remembered.

Ann was a woman of profound faith, a faith which found expression in the public forum of politics. Ann was unafraid to express her unwavering convictions, formed through her Roman Catholic faith. She had a sharp intellect and was a dedicated public servant.

Fr Abbot and the Monastic Community extend their heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. Fr Abbot will offer our 11:00 Solemn Mass tomorrow for the repose of her soul.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.

Our wonderful staff continually go the extra mile – or in the case of Geoff Pring our Director of Visitor Experience, 650 miles! Split across 50 half marathons in the year, Geoff is running to raise money for Rowcroft Hospice. Following his first competitive run in Palama, Majorca, Geoff was inspired to run 50 half marathons, cumulating in the 50th run just days after his 50th birthday.

Rowcroft Hospice is an incredible charity, supporting those suffering from life-limiting illnesses and their families, at home or at Rowcroft itself free of charge. Staff dedicate themselves to supporting others, giving specialist nursing care to over 2,500 people each year. 

On 18th April Geoff completed his 25th run (halfway), a slightly unusual course involving running 21, one-kilometre loops around the Abbey, joined by family: Helen, Peter & Ben. Staff: Chay, Matt, Keira, Chloe, Julie, Millie and Brian raising £300 over the weekend. Please support Geoff’s goal and donate what you can by clicking HERE or scan the QR code below.

Holy Week began with Palm Sunday, and we were blessed with fine weather for our Procession of Palms into the Abbey Church. During the service, we recalled Christ’s final triumphant entry into Jerusalem, before His passion, death, burial and resurrection.

The Holiest days of the liturgical year (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday) are known as the ‘Triduum’ from the Latin word meaning ‘three days’. Beginning with the beautiful Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, the service includes a special ceremony known as the ‘Mandatum’ or ‘Washing of the Feet’ in which Fr Abbot washed the feet of a number of volunteers from the congregation, recalling the act when Christ himself washed his disciples’ feet following the Last Supper.

On Good Friday, during the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion service, a large crucifix is unveiled to the congregation in an ancient ritual, followed by a time of individual veneration of the Cross, whereby each member of the congregation profoundly kneels in adoration of our crucified Lord. The congregation was so large for this service, that the veneration of the cross alone took over 30 minutes.

The longest service of the church’s year takes place on Holy Saturday, and is called the ‘Easter Vigil’ since it begins at dusk on the eve of Easter Sunday. The service begins outside with an ‘Easter Fire’ from which the ‘Paschal Candle’ is lit – representing the Risen Christ, and processed into the Abbey Church as the priest proclaims ‘Lumen Christi’ – ‘Christ our Light’. The strong winds that evening caused a little concern that we would be unable to light the Paschal Candle, but all was well. The congregation followed the Paschal Candle into the Abbey Church, from which their own candles were light – flooding the church in candlelight, dispelling the darkness. The congregation renews their baptismal vows, and we were delighted to welcome a new member of the congregation to the Catholic faith.

Easter Sunday Mass saw the largest congregation we have ever possibly had for a Mass, to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord, and his victory over death. There was literally standing room only. It was an immensely joyous service and the Abbey Choir’s singing was enhanced by the addition of Onyx Brass who played from the organ gallery.

These important and holy services are a wonderful testimony to our Catholic faith. Christ’s 2000 year old message rings true to each of us today. Thank you to all who contributed to our special Easter services, and a blessed Eastertide to all from Fr Abbot and the Monastic Community.

Click Here to see all the pictures of Easter 2026.

Echo of a Loved Voice Reveals the Personal Letters of Abbot Anscar Vonier for the First Time.

A newly published book, Echo of a Loved Voice, offers a rare and intimate insight into the life of Anscar Vonier, Abbot of Buckfast Abbey from 1906 to 1938, through a collection of personal letters translated from the original French and published together for the first time.

The letters trace Vonier’s journey from his boyhood in Germany to his early years at Buckfast Abbey, before recounting the dramatic shipwreck off the coast of Spain that would profoundly shape his life and faith. Writing with honesty and reflection, Vonier reveals the personal struggles and spiritual convictions behind a public life marked by leadership and vision.

Following this defining event, the letters chart Vonier’s role in rebuilding Buckfast Abbey from its ruins, guiding the monastic community through the challenges of the First World War, and establishing himself as a respected preacher and author of influential theological works.

Each chapter of Echo of a Loved Voice is introduced with contextual notes, helping readers understand the historical and personal background of the correspondence. The book is richly illustrated with photographs of Abbot Anscar and his world, alongside extracts from the Buckfast Annals, selections from his published writings, and personal recollections from a lifelong friend.

Together, these elements create a moving portrait of a remarkable figure and offer a powerful reflection on faith, resilience, and leadership during a time of profound upheaval.

Buy a copy here.

Beekeeping: A Practical Guide for Considerate Beekeepers

By Martin Hann and Clare Densley

Buckfast Abbey beekeepers Clare Densley and Martin Hann have released a new book inviting readers to take a thoughtful and science-led approach to working with honey bees.

Published by The Crowood Press, Beekeeping: A Practical Guide for Considerate Beekeepers moves beyond standard beginner manuals to explore the behaviour and needs of bees in greater depth. With an emphasis on kindness, observation and understanding the bees’ natural instincts, the book encourages a more harmonious and sustainable style of beekeeping.

Clare explains, “Rather than writing another step-by-step manual, we wanted to help beekeepers see the world from the bee’s perspective. When you understand why bees behave as they do, everything about keeping them becomes more rewarding.”

The book took two years to complete and features original photography by the authors, along with historic images from the Abbey’s long beekeeping tradition.

About the Authors

Both based at Buckfast Abbey, Clare and Martin are experienced beekeepers and respected voices within the beekeeping community. They are regular speakers across the UK and contributors to the national beekeeping magazine BeeCraft.

Available from the Buckfast Abbey Gift Shop and online via Amazon, eBay and other booksellers.