Whalley AbbeyAbbey 1. Community of monks or nuns under the rule of an abbot or abbess. This is the higher grade of monastery, as opposed to the lower priory. 2. Building which they occupy. is a retreat centre, place of welcome, hospitality and prayer, and the DioceseDiocese A geographical area composed of a number of parishes, under the administrative and spiritual jurisdiction of a Bishop. of Blackburn’s Centre for ChristianChristian Name originally given to disciples of Jesus by outsiders and gradually adopted by the Early Church to designate all members of the church. Discipleship and Prayer.