Abbey News

11 Sep 2024

Dedication of the Basilica of St Gregory the Great

On 12th September 1935, the biggest Roman Catholic ceremony in the west of England since the Reformation took place here at Downside. The consecration of the Abbey Church took place on this day, with the ceremony being carried out by The Prince Primate of Hungary, Cardinal Seredi. He was assisted by two cardinals, seven archbishops, […]

03 Sep 2024

Heritage Open Day 2024

We’re pleased to be taking part in the Heritage Open Day 2024 series of events this year on 12 September! Heritage Open Days is England’s largest community led festival of history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations. Every year in September it brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history. […]

30 May 2024

Blessed Maurus Scott (1579 – 1612)

Maurus Scott was a monk of the monastic community of St Gregory the Great, then at Douai in the Habsburg Netherlands. He was born William Scott in 1579 and was ordained priest in 1610. Dom Bede Camm, author of Nine Martyr Monks (1931) wrote that Scott shared St John Roberts’ last meal before witnessing his execution. The […]

09 Dec 2023

Christmas at Downside Abbey 2023

Mass times for Christmas at Downside Abbey 2023 Sunday 24 December [Vigil Mass] 4.30 pm (Carols at 4 pm) [‘Midnight Mass’] 10 pm (Carols at 9.30 pm) Mass is said in the Abbey Church. There will be no Mass in the Abbey Church on Christmas Day. There will be a Mass said on Christmas Day […]