麻豆社

In this beautiful festive series, we go behind the walls of religious orders across England and Ireland to meet Benedictine nuns and monks who for centuries have devoted themselves not just to prayer and work but to keeping ancient crafting traditions alive. These bookbinders, brewers, chocolatiers, soap makers, and potters are joined on their heavenly production lines by local artisans and volunteers. Together they create beautiful hand-made gifts that truly are Heaven Made, sharing the true meaning of Christmas with us at this special time in the Christian calendar.

In this first episode we join the Benedictine sisters of the magnificent Kylemore Abbey on the West Coast of Ireland to meet Sister Genevieve and the team of nuns and lay staff who are busy making their sought-after Christmas hampers. In the Chocolate House, it is a tense time for new employee and chocolate novice Veronica, who has been tasked with creating a centrepiece for the hampers, a box of 12 individual chocolates that must meet the exacting approval of chief chocolatier, Sister Genevieve. Meanwhile Sister Jeanne, a former mathematician and chemist, explains how her Christmas creations are about more than chocolate, hidden in each handmade star is a Christmas blessing.

The monks at St Augustine鈥檚 Abbey in Chilworth, Surrey are also gearing up for the festive season. Brother Simon, a postulant (or monk in training), is busy producing one of their latest products that they鈥檙e hoping will be a big seller at Christmas, Rosary beads.

And on the Isle of Wight at the neo-gothic, red brick Quarr Abbey, within an area of outstanding natural beauty, veteran monk Father Gregory works with tenant farmer, Matt Legg to ensure their onsite restaurant is well stocked with their local meat in time for the Christmas menu.