The road to enlightenment? Do the age-old values of monks mean anything to a new generation?

The hushed, contemplative atmosphere of Worth Abbey, a Benedictine
monastery in West Sussex, bears no resemblance at all to the intensity of
modern society. Technology is minimal and books always prevail over TVs. So, away from their playstations and remote controls, how will five men cope in the austere confines of monastic life?

Despite their very different backgrounds, each participant has the desire to see if life holds any greater meaning. For 40 days and 40 nights, they must abide by the Benedictine monastery’s rules, adhering to a strict timetable of instruction, study, prayer, reflection and routine work duties. They must fully immerse themselves in every aspect of the monks’ simple life to embark on their personal spiritual journey. But what will the monks think of them? Will the lessons they learn have the power to transform their everyday lives, or will they consider their short stay in the cloistered world of the monks to be worthless? Will the core values of humility, obedience and silence be too hard a cross to bear, or will they find
God and decide to stay?

DID YOU KNOW?

Commonly known as the ‘black monks’, the Benedictine Order lives
under the Rule of St. Benedict – a work that was the most important factor in the organisation and spread of monasticism in the West.

The oldest monastery in the world is thought to be St. Anthony’s on Egypt’s Red Sea Coast.

Benedictine monks are characterised by their devotion to manual labour
and promise to live in monastery until their death.

Renowned Champagne maker Dom Perignon is perhaps the most famous
Benedictine Monk.

At Worth Abbey, the five men must not talk after 9.30 at night until after
breakfast the next morning.


A Tiger Aspect production for BBC

DURATION
3 x 50'