The monastic community at Worth Abbey recently marked the 50th anniversary of the consecration of its Abbey Church. The celebration, which took place on Saturday, 12 July 2025, served as a thanksgiving for the church’s history and its continued mission as a place of prayer. It coincided with the Summer Gathering of the Catholic Union of Great Britain, an organisation for Catholics who are active in the political and social life of the UK.

A highlight of the day was the address given by Jeremias Schröder OSB, Abbot Primate of the Benedictine Confederation. The talk, titled "A Paradox, a Dilemma, and a Mystery: Saint Benedict's Message for Europe in 2025", explored the contemporary relevance of Benedictine values. Speaking to the combined gathering, Abbot Jeremias drew on his background as a historian and his global perspective as leader of the Confederation to reflect on Saint Benedict's legacy.

Abbot Jeremias' address was delivered at a meaningful time, as the Church marks 60 years since Pope Saint Paul VI declared Saint Benedict the Patron of Europe. His talk, which examined how Benedictine values remain vital in today's religious and secular landscape, resonated deeply with the attendees. The full text of the Abbot Primate’s address can be found at the link to the pdf.