Introduction to the community
The community was founded in the parish of St Mark, Fitzroy, in the archdiocese of Melbourne on 8 November 1975. In 1980, after working in this inner city parish for five years, and after adopting the Rule of Saint Benedict, the community moved to the country town of Camperdown in the Western District of Victoria. Here the community lives a contemplative monastic life with the emphasis on the balanced life of prayer and work that forms the Benedictine ethos. In 1993, the Chapter decided to admit women and so establish a mixed community of monks and nuns. The community supports itself through the operation of a printery, mounting of icons, manufacture of incense, crafts. St Joseph’s guest house and a new accommodation unit named Subiaco (opened 2019) provide accommodation for those wanting to seek God in retreat.
In 2005, the Chapter petitioned the Subiaco-Cassinese Congregation of the Benedictine Confederation for aggregation to the Congregation. After a period of probation, this was granted on the Feast of SS Peter and Paul 2007.
Our founder and first Abbot, Dom Michael King, died in 2014. The community continues its life and work of prayer and looks forward to growth in the future. Sister Raphael Stone was appointed Superior in 2016. The community is supported by Oblates and friends and has recently begun an ‘Alongsider’ program.
Contact details
Address: Benedictine Abbey, PO Box 111, Camperdown, Victoria 3260, Australia
Community information
Diocesan Bishop: Rt Revd Garry Weatherill, Bishop of Ballarat
Third Order, Fellowship, Associates
Our confraternity includes Oblates. Oblates promise to lead a Christian life according to the Gospel as reflected in the Rule of St Benedict. After a time of preparation, the candidates offer themselves to God through a promise as an Oblate of St. Benedict. This promise affiliates them with St Mark’s Abbey and commits them to apply to their lives the characteristic Benedictine principles through an individual rule of life. Oblates enjoy fellowship with one another and as their situation allows, give practical help to the community.
