Vision

Vision for Whalley Abbey

Whalley Abbey is a Centre for Christian Discipleship and Prayer and a retreat house for the Diocese of Blackburn. It is a place where we hope you will encounter Jesus and the fulness of life that he offers, learn to be more like him, be spiritually refreshed in your life and ministry, and grow in all that God has for you to do. We host conferences, meetings, quiet days and residential retreats, and cater for many other kinds of events which align with our vision and values. You can read about our booking policy here. We also offer private retreat days and hospitality through bed and breakfast stays.

We have Core Values, which we hope are reflected in all that we are:

Community: An inclusive community where all are valued, with some living on site and others elsewhere
Discipleship: A place where people learn to become more like Jesus, where they are trained and sent out in mission
Prayer:  A spiritual powerhouse and a place of prayer
Learning:  A seat of learning where people will grow
Hospitality: A place of generous hospitality to all where people are refreshed
Healing:  A place of healing and wholeness
Encounter:  A place of encounter where seekers, visitors and resident guests can encounter Jesus
Sustainability: Living more carefully within God’s creation

Visitors to the grounds and guests at the Abbey speak of a sense of peace and the presence of God’s Spirit.  The beautiful gardens lead us to the Creator, and the ruins of the historic Cistercian Abbey inspire a life lived in prayer and service of God.  We have a rhythm of daily prayers in the Chapel each day at 8am, 12.30pm and 5.3pm to which all are invited.

The Whalley Abbey community is made up of people who live and work at the Abbey as well as those who are further afield. Those who would like to belong to the wider spiritual family are invited to join Whalley Abbey dispersed community which meets monthly for encounter, spiritual refreshment, and growth.