In recent months the Gift Shop at Ampleforth Abbey has taken delivery of nearly 100 candles handmade by a monk of the Abbey, Fr Bernard McInulty OSB.
Fr Bernard began candle-making in what was known as St Joseph’s Workshop almost twenty years ago. He then spent some time working in a number of parishes and Fr Bernard returned to Ampleforth Abbey in September 2022 and recently took up again the craft of candle-making.
Candle-making in the workshop is not just a hobby to pass the afternoons. “People might think making candles is a humdrum, boring task”, says Fr Bernard. “But it is a wonderful opportunity to do something in gentleness and peace, an opportunity for prayer and mindfulness, a time for communion with God in prayer”.
Fr Bernard pours melted wax into a mould, which then must be allowed to set before the individual candles can be made. On a good afternoon, and especially if the boiler is not being temperamental, the candle production line can be fruitful! And the candles are then taken to the Shop and wrapped decoratively, providing visitors with a tangible, handmade gift as a reminder of their visit to Ampleforth Abbey.
If you would like to plan a visit to Ampleforth Abbey, you can find more information here.
