"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends,"
MESSAGE
Opening the Door of Our Hearts This Advent
As we enter the sacred season of Advent, we are invited to prepare our hearts to welcome Christ with openness and love. Holman Hunt’s famous painting of Jesus knocking at a door reminds us that the doorway to the human heart has no handle on the outside—it can only be opened from within. This image calls us to turn inward, as thinkers like Teilhard de Chardin and Thomas Merton remind us, to discover God’s presence at the very core of our being. Advent, then, becomes a time not only of waiting but of choosing—to open our hearts to the One who brings life, joy, and renewal.
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.”
