Hey hey, we're the Monks - brothers hit the charts

LET US pay. A group of business-minded Benedictine monks are scaling the heavenly heights of chart success with a CD of religious music and a bestselling prayer book.

The enterprising monks of Glenstal Abbey in County Limerick have been riding high in the pop charts with Gregorian Chant, which is being played at venues ranging from church halls to clubs across the country.

Meanwhile, their second published book, the Glenstal Book of Icons, has been nipping at the heels of footballer Roy Keane’s controversial autobiography at the top of the Irish bestseller list.

The brothers, who also run one of Ireland’s most exclusive boarding schools, say they were forced into commercial enterprise through economic necessity. Proffering their own brand of chicken soup for the soul, the monks explain they’re filling a gap left by the decline of organised religion.

Their prayer book has already been translated into German and a recently opened guest house at their remote abbey is attracting scores of international visitors, including the Duchess of Abercorn, lady in waiting to the Queen, who is a frequent visitor.

The brothers maintain their profits have been modest and say they are delighted, but not surprised, at their success.

Father Simon, the bursar at the Abbey who oversees the community’s fund-raising, explained: "Formal religion is in collapse, but people are absolutely hungry for spiritual fulfilment. We provide a means for people to find sustenance for their souls."

Before each meeting of his fund-raising committee, he says a prayer asking the Lord to point him in the direction of the most profitable venture.

And so far he has not been disappointed. Future business projects include a variety of Brie cheese and a new book called How to Pray. One of the monks who was instrumental in making Glenstal’s choir a success is currently in London working on writing a musical.

"You might say anything goes here really," said Father Simon.

Despite their widespread success which has attracted film crews from as far afield as Australia, the monks are adamant fame will not change them.

In an effort to maintain their monastic traditions, they have employed a management firm to advise them on how to preserve the abbey’s tranquillity while catering for the steady trickle of tourists.

Although they have been invited to attend many international events, most recently the Glasgow festival, they usually feel obliged to decline because of their priestly duties.

The Glenstal monks’ success is all the more remarkable, given the ongoing controversy which continues to surround the Catholic church in Ireland. Disclosures of cover-ups of child sex abuse by priests are hitting the headlines on a regular basis and church attendance has fallen off accordingly.