Introduction to the community
The community, part of the Anglican Church in Wales, lives a monastic, contemplative life of prayer based on silence, solitude and learning to live together, under vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, with a modern rule. At the heart of our corporate life is the Eucharist with the daily Office and other times of shared prayer spanning the day. All services are open to the public and we are often joined by members of the neighbourhood in addition to our visitors. Our common life includes study, recreation and work in the house and extensive grounds. It is possible for women and men, married or single, to experience our life of prayer by living alongside the community for periods longer than the usual guest stay. Hospitality is an important part of our life at Tymawr and guests are most welcome. We offer full board and self-catering accommodation. We also organise and sponsor occasional lectures and programmes of study for those who wish to find or develop the life of the spirit in their own circumstances. The community is dedicated to the crucified and risen Lord as the focus of its life and the source of the power to live it.
Listen to “A life of prayer, silence, space and time”, an edition of ‘All Things Considered’ recorded at Tymawr Convent in August 2021 and first broadcast on BBC Radio Wales on 19th September 2021.
Novice Sister Cara SSC is currently in Australia finishing her studies. She recorded this short podcast ‘Seven Minutes on Being a Contemplative’ as part of a series of Lenten Lectures at Christ Church, Brunswick, Victoria.
Contact details
Address: Tymawr Convent, Lydart, Monmouth, Gwent NP25 4RN
Community information
Bishop Visitor: Rt Revd Dominic Walker OGS
Publications
A Continuous Miracle: the history of the Society of the Sacred Cross.
Copies can be obtained from Tymawr Convent.
Third Order, Fellowship, Associates
There are 11 Companions; 34 Oblates, living in their own homes, each having a personal Rule sustaining their life of prayer; 116 Associates, women and men, who have a corporate rule.
Leadership
Reverend Mother: Sister Katharine SSC
Assumed office 3 May 2019
Assistant
Membership
Sister Rosalind Mary
Sister Elizabeth
Sister Janet Ann
Sister Joanna
16 Sep 2017 – Sister Lorna Francis, aged 96, professed 56 years
4 Jan 2018 – Sister Veronica Ann, aged 94, professed 58 years, Revd Mother 1974-86
23 Jan 2018 – Sister Heylin Columba, aged 98, professed 57 years (CSA 1960-69)
12 Apr 2023 – Sister Gillian Mary, aged 84, professed 48 years, Revd Mother 1986-98, 2010-19
