Benedictines Makkiyad Welcomes You
St. Joseph’s Benedictine Monastery is a Conventual Priory of the Order of St. Benedict of Montefano, known as the Sylvestrines, founded by St. Sylvester Guzzolini(1177-1267).The mother house of this monastic congregation is located in Montefano, Fabriano, Italy, a place of historical importance in the annals of the Order. It is noteworthy that in 1248 the Holy See granted official recognition to this Congregation, thus consolidating its place within the wider Catholic Church..
Nestled in the picturesque hill district of Wayanad, on the north-eastern edge of the state of Kerala, India, St Joseph's Benedictine Monastery was founded in 1962. This serene retreat is strategically located at an elevation of approximately 700 to 2100 metres above sea level, offering a sublime setting amidst the mountains of the Western Ghats. Known as one of the most enchanting hill stations in the state of Kerala, India, this monastery offers a contemplative retreat amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Western Ghats..
The Order of St Benedict of Montefano, now recognised as the Sylvestrine-Benedictines or simply the Sylvestrines, has a special status as a member congregation within the wider framework of the Order of St Benedict (Ordo Sancti Benedicti) . This venerable Order is an integral part of the Benedictine Confederation, a network of monastic communities that adhere to the Rule of St Benedict. Adherence to the Rule serves as a unifying force among Benedictine communities worldwide, fostering a common commitment to the principles of prayer, work and community life.
As the custodian of the Sylvestrine tradition, St Joseph's Benedictine Monastery Makkiyad in Wayanad embodies the rich spiritual heritage and disciplined way of life prescribed by St Benedict. The monastery stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of St Sylvester Guzzolini and the wider Benedictine heritage, providing a haven for prayer, reflection and community life amidst the verdant hills of Wayanad.
Message From Conventual Prior
EASTER
MESSAGE FROM THE CONVENTUAL PRIOR 2024
Welcome to our cyberspace - "Benedictines Makkiyad"
Once
more, we embrace the profound joy and tranquility that accompany our
celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus. Through the divine orchestration of
His suffering, death, and triumphant return, God draws intimately near to us in
our moments of affliction, shattering the shackles of sin, death, and all forms
of darkness. In Christ, God incarnate, we encounter not a distant deity, but a
compassionate companion who intimately understands and shares in the frailties
of our humanity.
Easter
morning unveils the profound truth of a God who walks alongside us in the
mundane realities of life, continuously pouring out boundless love upon
humanity. Reflecting on the Gospel narrative, we witness the astonishment of
the three women approaching the tomb, burdened by the weight of a seemingly
insurmountable obstacle. Yet, upon their arrival, they discover the stone has
already been rolled away. It prompts us to ponder: Have we allowed barriers to
obstruct our encounter with the resurrected Jesus? Regardless of our
circumstances, when we approach Him with hearts akin to those women, the Risen
Lord unfailingly removes every hindrance.
Let
us trust unwaveringly in the transformative power of the Risen Lord. Jesus
dismantles the barriers of despair, fear, uncertainty, grief, and even death
itself. We are encouraged to identify the stones obstructing our journey and
entrust them to Jesus, allowing His glorious presence to illuminate our lives. May
our hearts resonate with the Spirit of Easter; overflowing with joy, peace and
love.
Wishing
you all the abundant Peace and Joy of Easter!
With
heartfelt blessings, Fr. Vincent Korandiarkunnel OSB
Conventual Prior
Our Monastery
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
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 1982 in the Diocese of Gwalior, in the State of Madhya Pradesh, JeevanJyothi Ashram was 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.
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
Founded in the year 1987 in the Diocese of Vijayawada, in the State of Andhra Pradesh, Navajeevan Benedictine Monastery was a dependent house and a foundation of St. Joseph's Benedictine Monastery.