Winchester Cathedral is thrilled to announce the upcoming visit of the Abbot and monks from Fleury Abbey, set to take place from 3rd to 6th July, 2023. The Abbot, Dom Matthieu, will be accompanied by Br Thomas and Br Theophane, on their visit which promises to strengthen the longstanding partnership between the community of the Abbey de Fleury and Winchester Cathedral, a relationship that has endured for a remarkable 1,000 years.
The itinerary for the day begins with a guided tour of the Cathedral, including the Fleury building; its namesake given to commemorate the historical relationship between Abbey de Fleury and Winchester Cathedral. Later, there will be a visit to Pilgrims’ School’ – a Cathedral choir school that incorporates the choristers for two professional choirs, the Cathedral and Winchester College. In the evening, the group will attend Pilgrims’ School Junior Concert, a showcase of young talent. The day concludes with attending Evensong with Lay Clerks.
The next day see’s a tour of the Kings and Scribes exhibition where they will delve into the world of ancient manuscripts and royal archives. Next, they will head to The Hospital of St Cross where they will meet with Fr Dominik Chmielewski, the Master of St Cross, for a unique insight into the hospital’s history. Later, they will be treated to the melodious voices of the Nave Choir during Evensong, followed by a brief visit to the Dean Garnier Garden Party. The day concludes with a Community Dinner in the Undercroft, an opportunity to meet members of the congregation.
On Wednesday morning Winchester Cathedral will bid the Abbot and monks from Fleury Abbey farewell as they continue their journey to Westbury.
Of the visit, The Very Reverend Catherine Ogle, Dean of Winchester, said: ‘A visit from the new Abbot of Fleury Abbey, Fr Matthieu and his two brothers is a very special event in the life of Winchester Cathedral. Although Cathedral life is different to the life of a monastery, we share so much in common. We are united in Christian faith and in our foundation in the Rule of St Benedict and its emphasis on stability, transformation and balance. The visit of the Fleury monks will be a great blessing.’
