St. Philip's Priory facts for kids

St. Philip's Priory is a special kind of monastery called a Premonstratensian priory. It is located on New London Road in Chelmsford, Essex, UK. This priory is home to a group of religious men known as canons regular. They are dedicated to Our Lady Queen of Sorrows and St. Philip Benizi.

History of St. Philip's Priory

The building that is now St. Philip's Priory was once a private house. In 1927, a man named Mr. Henry Shepperd bought it. He wanted to create a home for a group of Servite nuns there.

The priory and its chapel were officially opened on September 15, 1927. This date is important as it is the feast day of Our Lady of Sorrows. Bishop Arthur Doubleday of Brentwood led the opening ceremony.

The Servite nuns lived at the priory and also ran a school next to it. They stayed there until the 1990s. Then, the local church group (diocese) bought the house. They used it as a home for priests (a presbytery) for the nearby Our Lady Immaculate parish.

Later, in October 2008, a community of Premonstratensian canons moved in. They had first started in Manchester in 2004. Bishop Thomas McMahon of Brentwood asked them to come to Chelmsford.

What the Canons Do Today

The Premonstratensian canons at St. Philip's Priory serve the local community. They help with the church services at Our Lady Immaculate parish. They also assist at Holy Name church in the Moulsham Lodge area of Chelmsford.

Besides their work in churches, the canons have other important roles. Some work in education, teaching at universities or colleges. Others serve as chaplains, offering spiritual support in places like hospitals or schools.

Important Roles and Connections

In 2016, Father Hugh Allan became the Prior of St. Philip's Priory. He was also given a special job. He was asked to oversee the Catholic Church's work in the Falkland Islands. This role also included the islands of Ascension, St Helena, and Tristan da Cunha. Because of this appointment, he was also given the special title of Abbot of Beeleigh.

Before a big change in England called the English Reformation, the Premonstratensians had another important house. It was called Beeleigh Abbey in Maldon. They also owned land all over Essex, including the area where St. Philip's Priory now stands.