The Liturgy of Easter

Pluscarden Abbey is a community of Catholic Benedictine monks living in the only medieval British monastery still being used for its original purpose.

Situated in North East Scotland, ten miles from the coast, the monastery enjoys the peace and stillness of a secluded glen but is easily reached by road from the town. The atmosphere of quiet reflection and of work dedicated to the glory of God is the same now as it was in the thirteenth century, when a community of monks first came to this part of Moray.

The monks follow the Rule of Saint Benedict, a sixth-century rule for monks, which aims to focus upon love and service of God and neighbour using the principles of the Christian Gospel. Each day, the Mass and full Divine Office of eight prayer services are sung by the monks in the Abbey church, using Gregorian Chant. Guests of all faiths and none are welcomed.

St. Benedict, in his sixth century Rule, makes Easter the central reference point of the whole monastic year. For the Benedictine monks of Pluscarden, then, the importance of the Easter celebration can scarcely be over-stated. The primary public expression of this is the liturgy, which at Pluscarden continues to be celebrated in Latin, sung in Gregorian Chant, in full accordance with the current liturgical laws of the Catholic Church.

All music sung and recorded by the monks of Pluscarden Abbey, from 2010-2011. 

released January 1, 2017

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