| Summary: | Have you ever craved a better quality of life? Situated three miles off the coast of Wales, Caldey Island is a sanctuary for those wishing to get away from the trappings of modern life and find a place of peace, solitude and reflection. This is the home to a group of Cistercian monks - their decision to live on the island is a daily act of devotion. The monks employ a handful of people to help them run Caldey. It is a close community keeping the island ticking over, running the post office, managing the island's finances, helping the monks look after the island and themselves. It all sounds very cosy. They live a life that thousands of people dream about. Fed up with the clutter and claustrophobia of stressful modern existence, they have traded it all in for a simpler, slower world surrounded by the stunning Welsh countryside and coastline. However, daily life for the monks is not for the faint-hearted. Rising at 3.15am and having seven services a day, the monks run a tight schedule. Facing a life of solitude, chastity, obedience and silence, the monks have to be prepared to make some sacrifices. They also have jobs to earn their keep. Brother Francis, the island's woodcutter, admits life can be challenging and yearns for his favourite 'spicy beef deep crust pizza.'
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