Community
14 November, 2025
Milestone for Abbey community
A STRONG turnout visited Camperdown’s Benedictine Abbey last Saturday to celebrate a special milestone.
The Abbey marked 50 years since the first men of Camperdown’s Benedictine community were clothed at St Mark’s Church in Melbourne, who would later go on to establish the Abbey.
Many faithful people attended the celebratory Eucharist service, which included a special commemoration of the community members who came before in the Abbey’s cemetery.
Among those running the service were Bishop of Ballarat Reverend Garry Weatherill, Right Reverend David Farrer, Assistant Bishop of Ballarat Reverend Scott Lowrey, Reverend Matthew Jones of Camperdown and Holy Apostles Mother Anne Clarke Abbess OSB and Sister Superior Raphael Stone.
Sr Stone said she was pleased to see many people turn out to the service to support and celebrate the Abbey.
“The service was a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the beginnings of our community,” she said.
“Among the many who attended were Oblates (extended members of the Abbey Community), bishops, other clergy and many other friends from every decade of the last 50 years, who have known the community and supported us throughout this time.
“It was a special joy to have the Abbess of Malling Abbey with us from England for this special occasion.
“Also present were other monks and nuns, sisters and brothers from various religious communities including Anglican, Roman Catholic and Baptist.”
A newly installed drystone wall, which was built last year to separate the cemetery from the rest of the gardens, was blessed at the beginning of the day as part of celebrations.
“The joyful service was one of thankfulness to God for the past, especially acknowledging those who, fifty years ago, accepted God’s call and laid the foundations for what then grew into the Abbey we have today,” Sr Stone said.
“We also gave thanks for the present as we continue to build on and expand those foundations.”
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