Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2016 | Page 31

Top photo: Judi Griffin DL, Mr Griffin, High Sheriff Robin Courage, Isle of Wight Council
Chairman Charles Chapman, Binstead Councillor Ivor and Mrs Warlow.
Bottom photo: Fr Xavier cutting the cake under the eyes of Bishop Philip of Portsmouth
and Abbot Philip of Kergonan.

inhabit a world with many relationships around us” says Fr Xavier.
“We are delighted to see growing numbers of visitors, and many
local people contributing to the life of Quarr”.
Of course at the heart of the life of Quarr is its daily routine of
prayer, with the monks gathering seven times each day between
5.30am and 8pm.
“The basis of our life of prayer” he says. “is praising God, and
praying for people in need”.
The Abbey’s intention book is regularly filled in with the names of
people in vrious kinds of need, and the monks take these into their
prayers. “It makes us a place of solidarity with the sufferings of the

world” he says.
The Abbey also offers a place of retreat for people wanting
time and space away from the difficulties of life, and between
500-600 visitors a year stay there, benefitting from the quiet and
contemplation for a few days.
“People are very aware that we are not just a touristy kind of place”
says Fr Xavier,”but something very special.
“In fact, we like to see ourselves as a bridge between the broader
world and the God to whom we have dedicated our lives”.
And it’s a bridge that’s being strengthened all the time - with
visitor numbers now at the 70,000 a year mark, and rising.
www.visitilife.com

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