TWO monks and a nun, who take vows of poverty, obedience and chastity, are moving onto the Greenstead estate in Colchester and are hoping to find local families to take them in.

The Franciscan monks, Brother Philip Barthomew and Brother Martin John and a nun, Sister Chris, come from the Society of St Francis and are distinctive because of their brown habits.

They will be staying on the estate from October 1 to 11, and are hoping to live with people from the community, preferably couples and families, in order to integrate with local people.

Rev Mary West, from the parish of Greenstead churches, St Andrew’s, St Anne’s and St Matthew’s, said the visit would give people the opportunity to learn a bit more about them and their ways.

She said: “Monks and nuns from the order of St Francis take vows of poverty, obedience and chastity. When you look at those vows in modern times, they are counter to what everyone else wants.

“We don’t want poverty, we want to have as much money as we can, we don’t want to be obedient, we want to kick out against the system.

“Sex is just run of the mill now and you can have it when you want and with whoever you want.

“You have to really meet them to understand, but they have a sense of quietness and peace about them, but are often working with difficult people, such as drug addicts.”

The spiritual trio will also be holding a series of workshops for local people at St Andrew’s Church, in Forest Road.

As well as holding a healing service at St Matthew’s Church on October 6, they will also be hosting a children’s workshop on October 3.

The visit is part of the mission by the three churches of the parish, ‘Step into the light’, a project which looks at how the church can play an integral role within the community.

Anyone who thinks they might like to accomodate one of them for the ten days can contact Rev Mary West on 01206 866145.