Traditional Catholic Monks of Papa Stronsay, Scotland

Excerpt from a documentary series featuring the Transalpine Redemptorist monks of Papa Stronsay, Scotland - a congregation of traditionalist Catholic Fathers and Brothers of both Eastern and Western Rite from all over the world. The documentary was filmed in September 2003 and originally aired on Channel 4 (UK) in 2004.
The congregation was founded in 1988 by Fr Michael Mary and Fr Anthony Mary on the advice of Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre. Their aim was to found a new Redemptorist congregation which observed the original Rule of Saint Alphonsus and ignored the reforms adopted by modern Redemptorists following the Second Vatican Council.
The congregation moved from the Isle of Sheppy in Kent, England, to Papa Stronsay in 1999. The island was considered ideal because of its seclusion from the world and ancient connection with the monastic tradition. As well as producing their own newspaper, the monks raise their own cattle and sheep and they produce most of their own food.
For more information visit:
www.papastronsay.com

[@seaghanobuadhaigh8240]

Thank God there are still men on this earth who generously answer God's call to forsake everything that the world would have us aspire to, and point the way to heaven.

[@igorstein5616]

These are the Power Houses of Prayer

[@williamwallace2278]

I was initially drawn to the Franciscan order, but my school master said I would be wasted. Would only be put forward to the Jesuit or Benedictine order. However decided this life was not for me.

[@jamesbradshaw3389]

Those people pray for all the people of this world, they deeply care about everyone, they are like the best solar system that will ever exist, they are in direct contact with the true power source God and will only do good for all men, women and children of our world

[@francoisekremers]

indeed

[@lunarmodule9915]

I just recently heard of this order of monks and where they live. I thank God there are places like this. I think their prayers probably do more for the salvation of mankind than what the material world can ever offer.

[@joywisdom6598]

Infinite Wisdom Amen to that 😉!!!

[@chusorodriguez5120]

Tiene usted razon.

[@edwinrivera8449]

I too was in tears. Only 24 hours and he was so touched. Imagine a month. This was an awesome find. I am in the beginning point of my life to enter in the monastic life. If it is GODS plan... I wish to become a monk.

[@jimmymaxwell11]

Would love an update on your discernment, and would be pleased to pray for you. Thank you for your vocation! I pray one of my children will follow in your footsteps.

[@nenabunena]

I was affected how touched he was as well. I wonder how I would fair in a similar cloistered environment with nuns (since I'm a girl), I'm rather vain, lazy, and love to sleep and procrastinate but I also enjoy quiet, meditative, and introspective things. I also noticed when I was taking my grad studies in archaeology, during field work where we had a strict timeline/schedule to follow, daily for 2 months, I thrived and felt so healthy more than I ever felt in my life. We left for our hike at 5am, got to the site at 6am, dug until 5pm (w/ lunch and an hour's rest bec of the scorching sun), got back at 6pm and lined up for our baths until we had dinner at 8pm, and a day's recap on the dig site until 10/10:30pm. And finally went to sleep by 12md. And what's strange is I usually need 8-9hrs sleep/day, but during my field trips and the strict schedule, the 5hrs was more than sufficient and I felt invigorated by it somehow.

[@Peter-tr7gg]

God bless you Edwin

[@Randolph1233]

@jody . Benedictine convent in Largs is a prayerful community. Jesus the Saviour be our companion.

[@GodSeesAll2023]

A beautiful life A blessed life An eternal life ✨💛❤ AMEN 🙏

[@sandyquinones2458]

I have seen and enjoyed this documentary many times. It is incredible to watch the resistance he had in the beginning until the gift of the Holy Rosary. It was the Blessed Mother who touched his heart ❤️.

[@andreschivel8116]

I agree with you my sister, I just cannot believe it. God touched his heart a lot.

[@LVpops]

I agree, the best part of this short film is the ending. You hit it on the nose with your comment. I actually shed a tear myself. May God bless us and help us and may the Virgin Mary protect us. Amen.

[@joywisdom6598]

Shame on those who gave a thumbs down. Lots of love for you 🙏😇💝

[@theresaclancy6091]

Only the pure of heart can see Truth and Love ❤️

[@SeanChitty84]

Blessed be the Holy Name of Jesus and Praise be to His Sacred Heart.

[@Oblationem]

He's hooked! He just doesn't know it yet. Thank God for these wonderful holy monks. A beautiful video...

[@KurtGodel432]

I spent two weeks there a few years ago and it was absolutely brutal. Those men are made of steel. Their reward in heaven will be great indeed.

[@rogerhartley6324]

Kurt Gödel u

[@tonethetallbaldy5039]

I visited the monastery for a couple of days and nights a few years ago. Wonderful location. Just getting there seemed a penance!

[@scottcraig77]

These visitors had such a blessing. I cried with them. Their spirits were woken after just 1 day in the presence of God within these Godly men. God bless you all. x

[@billybob-bj3nw]

I do hope this man found God eventually :)

[@psychedelicpython]

billy bob I was just thinking that tonight as I watched this. I’m hoping the Rosary might help him as well.

[@edallai]

What an incredibley beautiful, edifying video. As a hermitess living in suburban Massachusetts it really lifts me up!!! God Bless, Ave Maria

[@Gypseygirls]

God bless

[@nunya6439]

I sorely want to visit this place.

[@lincolncity9]

I visited a couple f years ago. I highly recommend!

[@emmanjing]

+lincolncity9 . i want to visit. how do i go about doing it?

[@lincolncity9]

+Manjing C Write a letter to the guest master asking if you can visit. The address is on their web site. Depending on where you are located getting there can be a challenge but quite straightforward. I'll be happy helping you plan your journey. All the best!

[@emmanjing]

am in Phoenix. my email is [e-mail]. I go to Mater Misericordiae Mission for the daily Latin mass

[@lordjesuschristhavemercyon3251]

@@lincolncity9 Are they SSPX monks?

[@robbeale]

what memories. i stayed with them on an island hop in late 2004. amazing people in an amazing place.

[@mudgebauer]

There is a Monastery in Big Sur, California called New Camaldolise Hermitage that is just like this on in Scotland. The live a very austere life as well.

[@lincolncity9]

I visited last summer for 2 nights, wonderful thanks to the community there. An oasis in a crazy world.

[@zaphodtrillian]

After the heresy and apostasy of calvinism these men will save Scotland with their example and love.

[@guilhermesazonov]

Heresy is your words! Calvin like Luther and so others before them challenged people like you who tramped over the Holy Scriptures, putting a filthy corruption institution above God Himself.

[@zaphodtrillian]

sa gui learn to spell and write in English

[@guilhermesazonov]

Learn to spell and write in any language....not to mention your misguided beliefs, a testimony of your dumbness ;p

[@zaphodtrillian]

sa gui grow up, You hate Catholics, that is your problem not mine

[@guilhermesazonov]

Me? Never. I love Catholics. You should grow up. You hate the Truth. As simple as that.

[@ardentfire3956]

While I was watching this I looked up my name on google after they referenced taking on the name of saints. I figured out that I was named after Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne, the Irish monk who restored Christianity to Northumbria. I never knew where my name came from, and it was absolutely amazing to learn this about myself. It seems almost providential.

[@sallydarley9812]

Hi! SS_777 Yes, but let it be known that Saint Aiden of Lindisfarne INTRODUCED the Gospel to Northumbria. Up until then, the leaders and their followers were pagans. All the land was forest so, people used boats to travel around the coast.

[@RachelleMoore-gb5zr]

​Beautiful

[@parallelpinkparakeet]

What an amazing experience! I bet he'll never forget that.

[@albywhitelady]

This life is simply beautiful!!!!!!! 😍 😍 😍 😍

[@stancan2]

I love this video ! "Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall inherit the world"

[@Gypseygirls]

God bless 🙌 🙏

[@wife97]

The first time I watched this, I didn't realize that Adam Nicolson is the grandson of Harold Nicolson and Vita Sackville-West (he looks like his grandma). He is good natured and amusing, and he's able to relate to the monks, even though he doesn't share their faith. A lovely episode!

[@donmulligan5512]

Simply wonderful and beautiful

[@matijustus4774]

we monks are blessed by God in different ways, please let us maintain our spirit of prayer and our monastic traditions.

[@spiriitualemergency3]

Why had that last scene bring tears to my eyes

[@KSudbury]

A beautiful and inspiring film.

[@vanhecht]

@Rabbitpen I spent Dec 30-Jan 2 in San Antonio. I saw the TAR at the Alamo, from a distance, and was fascinated by their attire/habits. I then was at St Mary's Catholic Student Center at Texas A&M in College Station and I ran into the very same gentlemen. i went and spoke with them and was very pleased to meet such representatives from such an order. I believe it was God's doing that I had the privilege to see them twice in a weeks time in two distant cities. It was divine providence.

[@joannajones8533]

this guy is So funny!! Its such a delight to watch how he reacts to the various things he sees around him...he is so honest and child-like in his reactions - it's a pleasure to watch - he looks looks totally out of his depth :) and yet he carries on :) he reminds me so much of me in such situations! :)

[@gcv980]

Their lives are like a perpetual Catholic retreat. You really have to have God's calling to live like this. It's not for everyone

[@StudentofClassicalMusic]

Quite interesting! I really enjoyed this. thanks for sharing!

[@hermitruben4032]

From Misión Cruz Hermitage in Somerset, TEXAS. Praise the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

[@anthonyl2886]

I stayed there for a few days a few years ago. Beautiful community. Hope to return one day.

[@jasonevanbaldwin9922]

Been there, done that... in October 2009... Cool place, nicest people...

[@loggats]

thank God these monks are keeping the unbroken faith alive.

[@jackhughes3981]

the look on Father's face as 13:11 ....... priceless

[@LarrySassyMochi]

God bless all of you.

[@susiefromomaha]

Thank you for your honesty. I've recently returned to the CC. I have friends who are atheists and agnostics. I think this video is a great example of being 'tolerant' of others, even if we don't always understand each other. Monks and cloistered nuns are definitely answering the call of God to pray for all of us. For peace in our hearts to then change our world. PAX and bless you.

[@ZiraRisasi]

Late welcome back from me I guess

[@susiefromomaha]

@@ZiraRisasi Thank you Zira Risasi. It's been a great time and trying time, but I'd not be anything but Catholic now. God bless.

[@mariemiller8740]

God bless you Susie Melkus welcome back home

[@user-tc2ww7pq4f]

When I feel bad I just like to watch this and I feel better .

[@henrikhankhagnell]

Laudetur Jesus Christus! I would really like to visit these beautiful traditional Catholic persons. May God bless them with many vocations.

[@robertwaguespack9414]

What a great joy

[@GrumpyOldTroll]

Thank you for the inspiring video.

[@FostersBLUE]

award worthy --thank you for this .

[@benaggreyfynn]

The Greatness of God is second to none. Our God is Holy and Great, so the few that He chooses to be monks must be Holy and special ; And they are. They are holy individuals. God uses them to pray for the world and even more holy services to this world. May God bless them all, always. Amen. Thanks for sharing this beautiful and inspiring video. Well done.

[@PanSzawu]

Very similar to the Orthodox in their manner, very beautiful.

[@theresaclancy6091]

Only the pure of heart can see Truth and Love ❤️

[@garciadelacadena]

Thanks to the producers of this video, this is one of the reasons I give thanks to God for opening my eyes and preserve me in the true faith. God has mysterious ways to guide the man, and this one is very peculiar since Adam is an Atheist (maybe not anymore). By the end of the visit it was obvious that he was touched by what he observed and experienced. Viva Cristo Rey, Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe!!!

[@chusorodriguez5120]

Conmovedor y bello. Fe y Amor para todos.

[@omahoneyd]

would like to visit and have a experience of my soul.This makes you face the nothingness of yourself

[@mariec9446]

Beautiful video.

[@lamentabili]

Excellent video. This community is working out their relationship with Rome and will be just fine. Very impressive.

[@gregorydsouza1895]

Praise the Lord Jesus Christ and mother Mary

[@donatio1]

Watching from kenya .. I had tears rolling down my face in the end. Did you become catholic?

[@Chandransingham]

What a moving story. God bless them and keep them safely.

[@boomalat]

They had been affiliated with SSPX but are now reconciled with the Roman Catholic Church after petitioning the Holy See . In June 2008, Pope Benedict XVI accepted their petition and declared them in "canonical good standing" within the Roman Catholic Church. After this, their official name was changed to The Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer (F.SS.R.) and officially a new congregation was setup by the church hierarchy. They now have a monastery in New Zealand as well.

[@lordjesuschristhavemercyon3251]

Great....

[@nathanielfabular9981]

Viva Iglesiya Katolika Apostolika Romana greetings from the 3rd most catholic country in the world, Philippines 🇵🇭

[@xanh01]

I for sure believe he will become a catholic or he will come back to that island and becomes a monk.

[@warwickchuck1]

Absolutely the best

[@chrism.c.9784]

I grew up with two Newfoundland dogs. AMAZING animals!

[@psychedelicpython]

I’ve watched this video a few times over time but I’m not exactly sure why. It started to play on “Autoplay” after I video I was watching today and for some reason, out of curiosity, I looked up Adam Nicolson on Google because he’s an author to see what he’s written. I found a very interesting video he did for National Geographic on The King James Bible that’s on KZbin (which I don’t read but I do read the Douay Rheims version and I don’t recommend the King James Bible because it’s a Protestant bible and not Catholic) but it’s quite entertaining to watch (because of Adam Nicolson who has a great sense of humor) and it’s quite educational. He goes through the history of several versions of the Protestant bibles and perhaps one can learn quite a bit.

[@anthonyl2886]

The Knox Bible is a wonderful Catholic version.

[@musicandbooklover-p2o]

If it's of any help Dom Benedict, Father sub-Prior at my local priory, prefers the King James Bible over the Catholic one. The language is more poetic. I attend a new priory which observes the original Latin Mass and follows the rites of St. Benedict, including the 3am Matins. The monks cone from the US, UK, Australia, Spain, Canada, Ireland, Denmark. There are 16 now and they are struggling to build cells fast enough to take in those who want to join.

[@vadermasktruth]

Awesome.

[@garciadelacadena]

They've never left the Church, they believe what the church has believed for centuries. The modernists are the ones that have left the Church and they are the ones that should come back to the true faith. Viva Cristo Rey, Viva La Virgen de Guadalupe!!!

[@musicandbooklover-p2o]

I must have been led to this. I have been dreaming recently of founding a community set in the traditions of the first monks. Problem, I am married and female, but I can't help but wonder what God is trying to tell me. His Will Be Done. Deo Gratias.

[@anthonylangford7797]

Have you founded your dream community yet? Be interesting to learn. Bless you

[@chadrichards3802]

Mr Cummins is such a good teacher

[@Dauphin35]

Orientation together towards the liturgical east and silent, reverent prayer are some of the most laudable aspects of the Church's liturgical tradition. Nothing was lost in the Church's lex orandi at any time in its history. The Traditional Latin Mass communicates the "eschatological implications" with perfect clarity. The reality that the Eucharist is a meal is not in some way diminished by recognizing its principal reality as a true and perfect sacrifice offered for the remission of sins.

[@Kalyna777]

Oh, my Dearest Fathers and Brothers! They are my friends!

[@irishjock33]

I have lost all belief in God, but not good people. This video has made a big difference in my life. Thank you.

[@tttdrr2293]

Silence wipes away the passions.

[@murph1272]

That was one of the most incredibly beautiful thing I have ever seen. Thank you so much for posting it. Was this on TV in Britain or something?

[@anthonyl2886]

Part of a series about him visiting and travelling around northern Britain.

[@hollywoodartchick]

This is a really lovely glimpse into the lives of men of God. It may not be everyone's way of life, but it is reassuring to know that some people on the spiritual path find their heaven on earth...and heaven within.

[@robmorgan3842]

I wonder if the presenter ever found God? You can see he was deeply touched and I think the Holy Spirit was doing what he does. I pray that he did.

[@Cathain78]

Looking through the comments, there seem to be a lot of haters. Ignorant people, despisers of Christ and his Church.....I think this must be one of the greatest ringing endorsements that Traditional Catholics can recieve. If the world persecutes and reviles you as it did with Christ, then you must be doing something right. I have a lot of time for Traditional Catholics. They go against the flow to do what they believe is truly right, in an unselfish way.

[@ugoibeawuchi28]

God bless our Priests

[@michaelcalgaro9892]

God bless

[@Catholicnerd]

Now that they have returned to peaceful and undisputed communion with the Holy Father, it'd be an excellent idea to contribute to their support. We desperately NEED their intercession. Details on how to help them are available at their website.

[@qijiy]

This is true happiness

[@Dauphin35]

I haven't been talking about Latin, although I think the "verbal veil" of a sacred language helps facilitate an encounter with mystery. Latin sets the liturgy apart, making it more than a pedestrian "prayer meeting". The point about continuity isn't that a particular language is absolutely necessary. No serious traditionalist would make such an argument. I'm referring to the theology of the Mass and the substance of the prayer, which must not be changed or diluted.

[@Awakeninghumanzombies247]

Interesting..... 🐍👽👾🎅🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@cheesemonkey1990]

good to know.

[@happykatkat]

All "living" languages evolve. "Mad" was the word for "crazy" in Shakespeare's time. Now it means "angry." Latin is only "dead" in terms of evolution, but the great benefit is that what Latin words and phrases meant hundreds of years ago still means the same today. Preserving true meaning! God does not favor one language over the other. Latin is the official language of the Church and is tied with tradition, reverence, and beauty--now who wouldn't want to pray with such a beautiful language?

[@berniefleming2766]

AMEN

[@Dee-ur9zq]

why is this video taken down? can anybody tell me how i can access it?

[@brecans]

So is everything ok now between the monks and Rome?

[@toddstevens6608]

brecans yes

[@donbrashsux]

God what a place to live

[@marycarr7004]

I signed up my loved ones for masses offered with them. It’s been over a month and have not heard back. They don’t have email. With this C19, I heard the USPS is in disarray for international mail. It would be nice if you could send requests and payments online.

[@sebathadah1559]

because KZbin is back to being superleftycensorlord they deleted my link to the Transalpine Redemptorist's channel. Search these guys up they upload daily.

[@stmichael71]

I'm happy these folks rejoined the Catholic Church. They display, I think, real holiness - and that leads you right back to Jesus and the Body of Christ with its vicar.

[@thewayoutisin]

I wonder if a lay person like myself gets a chance to live here temporarily just for the experience.

[@rachelhilla8556]

❤❤

[@ashpod84]

@TheEcumenator Deo Gratias

[@levi199120]

can anyone tell me which documentary this is from?

[@Dauphin35]

Yes, being in Communion with the Holy See is fundamentally untraditional.

[@phillipsimpson3359]

bboyfff, The bagpipes are still very much in use in New Hampshire AND Massachusetts... perhaps with such an appreciative declaration of concern on your own part, you yourself take it up!?!?! I bet you'd be brilliant and most admirable musician, indeed! Nothing stirs me MORE than the Bagpipes! :)

[@TheAntiV]

@Oblationem As well as in personal correspondence, the ICRC has addressed this misrepresentation by several other means. In 1975, the ICRC wrote to the Board of Deputies of British Jews in London regarding Harwood's citations, stating: The figures cited by the author of the booklet are based upon statistics falsely attributed to us, evidently for the purpose of giving them credibility, despite the fact that we never publish information of this kind.

[@alveolate]

this presumes that both sides believe that "weighing" DOES give the actual weight of the table. it still involves a measure of faith or trust in the weighing machine, the person doing the weighing, and how to interpret the weighing. the difference is that we AGREE quite easily on how weighing works, but we do NOT agree on how to "measure" the existence/indicators of the spiritual realm.

[@Rosary153]

❤❤❤

[@spiriitualemergency3]

So Is that why I have always had too many choices presented and carried out none and so lead adrift. Yet there was one choice that was underpinning all. Or is it a Choice?

[@redheadfo847]

becasue eternity is now. not past, not future, now!

[@Doodsm]

"Trent, even gives emphasis that grace(salvation)is not merited." my mistake... erase that..

[@andreschivel8116]

I have seen how God can touch a heart without faith, but in the end Mary get him to God.

[@Dauphin35]

Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi. The Law of Prayer is the Law of Faith. How the Church prays is central to her mission, and to the preservation of the Apostolic faith. Although the Latin language and externals of the Mass are important, they're not central to it. This is a matter of the theology the Mass reflects, and its continuity with the Church's Tradition. If our prayer is fundamentally different than before, we can have no confidence that we carry on the same faith as our ancestors.

[@andrjsh]

I have been a traditionalist and it has worth, but without the inner spiritual (and psychological) change, all the chants, schedules, prayers, and historic decorations is an elaborate hobby.