I’m a monk and people always ask me one question about life – it has nothing to do with God

By JOSE RAMOS

Published: 08:54 BST, 3 May 2025 | Updated: 08:59 BST, 3 May 2025

A monk has opened up on a question about life – and it has nothing to do with God.

A father from Ampleforth Abbey in North Yorkshire was asked whether monks are allowed to support a football team and his answer may surprise you.

Life at the monastery is structured the rule of St Benedict which emphasis prayer, work and community living.  

 The day begins early with Matins – a service of morning prayer, particularly when sung and chanted at 6:00 AM.

Mass is celebrated at 9:00am on weekdays and 9:30am on Sundays.

After Mass, monks engage in various work-related roles, such as preparing homilies, leading retreats, or fulfilling other community duties.

The day includes periods for personal prayer, manual labour, and recreation.

Meals are taken in silence, with one monk reading aloud, often from non-religious texts, to the community.

A father from Ampleforth Abbey in North Yorkshire was asked whether monks are allowed to support a football team and his answer may surprise you

Life at the monastery is structured the rule of St Benedict which emphasis prayer, work and community living

But what people may not expect is that monks actually support football teams.

In a video shared on the page for the Abbey, this was touched upon when someone asked if they follow sports.

The person replied: ‘Well, yes we do we have one monk who supports Leeds.

‘We have two who support Manchester United, one who supports Stoke, and one who died last year at 93 supporting Newcastle, so he just missed out on Newcastle’s triumph. I’m sure he is rejoicing in Heaven.’

But he explained that they have tried to bring some sport to the Abbey for their enjoyment.

He explained: ‘Behind me is our attempt at a game that we brought across when we moved here 200 years ago from our community in France. It’s a strange form of squash with sort of flattened wooden paddle and a cork ball covered in leather.’

However the father went on to compare the relationship between a sports fan and their team and people with their religious beliefs.

The person replied: ‘Well, yes we do we have one monk who supports Leeds’

‘It has always struck me it’s always struck me that supporting a football team particularly is a bit like a sort of religious commitment.

‘You have to suffer with your team in order to rejoice with your team, you die when they’re relegated, and you rise again when they’re promoted.

‘So I’ve always seen a sort of religious connotation to the commitment that people show in really supporting teams.’

He then shared he has been unlucky with his choice in football teams.

‘I don’t have that commitment. I’ve sort of been a bit promiscuous in my sports. Spurs, Newcastle, Man City, I am afraid. 

‘But I think when it comes to understanding that that sense of commitment, I think in the monastery as well. We try and support each other through difficulties. 

‘To rejoice with those rejoicing, and to weep with those who are weeping.’

:
I’m a monk and people always ask me one question about life – it has nothing to do with God

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk