"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends,"
MESSAGE
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (Jn 1:14).
Dear Fathers, Brothers, Sisters, and all our dear collaborators in mission,
As we joyfully celebrate the Solemnity of the Nativity of our Lord and step forward into a New Year filled with hope, I extend to each one of you my heartfelt Christmas greetings and my prayerful best wishes for the year ahead.
Christmas invites us once again to stand in awe before the great mystery of God’s love revealed in the humility of the Child of Bethlehem. In the silence of the manger, God speaks most powerfully—assuring us that He walks with us, shares our struggles, and renews our hope. The birth of Jesus is a reminder that light shines even in the darkest moments, and that peace is born wherever hearts are open to love, forgiveness, and self-giving.
As members of this Priory and as co-workers in the Lord’s vineyard, we are called to allow the mystery of the Incarnation to shape our lives and our mission. May this holy season renew in us a deeper spirit of faith, fraternity, and joyful service. Let us recommit ourselves to being signs of Christ’s compassion, especially to the poor, the marginalized, and all those who long for hope and healing.
The New Year that lies before us is a gift entrusted to our care. While it may bring its own challenges, it also offers fresh opportunities to grow in holiness, to strengthen our communities, and to respond creatively and courageously to the needs of the Church and the world. With gratitude for the blessings of the past year, let us move forward with trust in God’s providence and with renewed zeal for our common mission.
I thank each one of you for your dedication, sacrifices, and generous collaboration. May the Infant Jesus bless you abundantly, fill your hearts with His peace, and guide your steps throughout the coming year. May Mary, Our Mother, and St. Joseph watch over you and your families.
Wishing you a joy-filled Christmas and a grace-filled, peaceful New Year.
With prayerful good wishes and fraternal affection,
Fr. Vincent Korandiarkunnel OSB,
Conventual Prior
We love because He first loved us.”
John 4:19
St. Joseph’s Benedictine Monastery, a Conventual Priory of the Sylvestrines—an Order founded by St. Sylvester Guzzolini (1177–1267)—traces its roots to the mother house at Montefano, Fabriano, Italy. Officially recognized by the Holy See in 1248, the Congregation holds a special place within the Benedictine family as part of the wider Benedictine Confederation, united by the Rule of St. Benedict. Founded in 1962, the monastery at Makkiyad in Wayanad, Kerala, rests serenely in the Western Ghats at elevations ranging from 700 to 2100 meters, offering a contemplative retreat amid the region’s breathtaking landscapes. As custodian of the Sylvestrine tradition, St. Joseph’s Monastery embodies the spiritual heritage of St. Sylvester and the enduring Benedictine way of prayer, work, and community, providing a haven of peace, reflection, and renewal.
John 3.16
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life".
Psalm 23:4–6
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
1 Corinthians 13:4–5
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking."
St. Joseph's Benedictine Monastery at Makkiyad belongs to the Sylvestrine Congregation, a monastic reform movement in the Benedicitne monastic world that took place in the eastern-central Italy in the early 13th century. The Sylvestrine Congregation which was confined to Central Italy opened its first missions in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) in 1845.
INDUSTRY
Founded in the year 1973 in the Arch Diocese of Bangalore, Karnataka State, Vanashram is a dependent house of St. Joseph's Benedictine Monastery, Makkiyad.
Founded in the year 1992 in the Diocese of Kannur, Kerala State, Benhill Benedictine Monastery is a dependent house of St. Joseph's Benedictine Monastery, Makkiyad. The Monastery is also a formation house for the aspirants and postulants. The monastery takes care of the Benhill English School, a CBSE affiliated school, which has already produced students of excellence who have achieved in the state and national level. To know more about the school visit: http://benhillschool.org/
Founded in the year 1999 in the Diocese of Dibrugarh, in the North Easter State of Assam, AshirsadanBenedicitne Monastery is a dependent house of St. Joseph's Benedictine Monastery, Makkiyad. The Monastery is the Novitiate house of the Priory. The monastery takes care of the Bengarden School, which is a fast growing and popular school in the locality
Bible quotes
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
