The Benedictine Sisters of Jamberoo Abbey on the south coast of New South Wales are appealing for help to fund urgent repairs and restoration works on their property, reports The Catholic Leader.
The Abbey is home to a community of more than 20 sisters, a novice and two junior professed, with a further two postulants joining at the end of the year. Its guest cottages have long been popular with people seeking to experience Benedictine hospitality and spend time alone with God on retreat in the beautiful natural surrounds.
The Abbey’s welcoming entrance gate. PHOTO: Jamberoo Abbey.
Mother Hilda Scott OSB and the Community of Jamberoo published an open letter on their website asking for assistance.
“In our 175 years of foundation we have never done this, but our present circumstances make it imperative that we now reach out,” the letter said.
“For some time now, we have been struggling under the weight of an ever-increasing maintenance and restoration burden.
“Our Abbey was built in the 1980s and, several decades later the deterioration is obvious.
“The roof has been progressively leaking and over time has caused secondary damage in rotting beams, stained paintwork.
“After consulting with builders, we were advised that the large area of roofing on the main building(s) needs to be replaced urgently.
“We were told that the roof alone would cost upwards of $1 million, funds we simply do not have.”
Mother Hilda Scott OSB. PHOTO: Daniel Hopper/Diocese of Wollongong.
The sisters said they had advised to plan for substantial drainage work including the actual reshaping of the land since the soil levels had risen.
“Because of the resulting regression, many sections of the slate flooring have disintegrated and wooden panels have rotted needing replacement,” they said.
“External and internal painting work is now essential. The further costs involved are absolutely beyond us.
“We have yet to financially factor in the same work in our guests’ cottages which likewise needs attention.
“We humbly tell you all of this to share with you some of the realities we are currently facing while being very aware that we are not the only ones doing it tough in this current economic climate.
“Nonetheless we are inviting you to consider ways in which you and others can join us in our quest to maintain our Abbey home.
“Your giving, small or great, will be our new song for the next 175 years.
“You have our prayerful gratitude.”
Visit https://www.jamberooabbey.org.au/about/make-a-donation/ for more information.
This article is largely drawn from an article published in The Catholic Leader.
An article on the Sisters’ appeal is also featured in The Catholic Weekly.