BENEDICTINES MAKKIYAD

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

ADVENT MESSAGE

My Dear Confreres,

As we embark on the sacred journey of Advent, a season of hope and grace, let us prepare our hearts to welcome the arrival of Jesus. The time is ripe to open our doors, both physical and spiritual, to receive His love and guidance. In a poignant masterpiece, the renowned artist Holman Hunt depicts Christ standing in a serene garden, lantern in hand, gently rapping on a door. Upon beholding the artwork, a friend of the artist remarked, “Holman, it appears you have committed an error; the door you have rendered lacks a handle.” The artist's response was profound: “No, my friend, this is no mistake. For the door I have painted is the portal to the human heart, and it is a door that can only be opened from within.”

Dear confreres, the image of Christ standing outside and knocking resonates deeply, carrying an eternal invitation: Open the door. Let me in. Allow Him to enter the recesses of your life, each part illumined by His presence, guiding you toward growth and flourishing. The Jesuit scientist Teilhard de Chardin grasped this profound truth-the necessity of turning inward, of opening the door to our own souls to behold the beauty and goodness within. Reflecting on his spiritual journey, he remarked, “The deeper I descend into myself, the more I find God at the heart of my being.” Thomas Merton, too, expressed this mystery, but in his own way: “To find love, I must enter the sanctuary where it is hidden, which is the mystery of God.” Thus, to open the door of our hearts is to step into the boundless treasure of our own existence and encounter the divine presence that dwells there.

So, shall we, dear confreres, make a humble effort in this sacred season of Advent to unlock the doors of our hearts to Him who stands knocking? Shall we meet the One who is already seated within, waiting? The choice lies before us: to open or to remain closed, to meet or to turn away. If we choose to open, then Life Himself will be ours-the Giver of Life, our unfailing joy.

Warmest wishes to you all for a blessed and meaningful Advent season, dear Fathers and Brothers! May this sacred time of preparation bring you spiritual growth, renewal, and a deeper connection with the Lord.

Conventual Prior