List of Major Monasteries in Nigeria & Location
In this article, we explore the fascinating world of monasteries in Nigeria. Monasteries are sacred spaces that house devoted individuals who have consecrated their lives to religious service within Catholicism. While Nigeria is home to several monasteries, only a few are widely known and discussed due to the high level of secrecy that surrounds them. These monastic communities have a rich history and play a vital role in preserving and spreading the teachings of Catholicism. Join us as we take a closer look at these monasteries and their locations, delving into the peaceful sanctuaries they provide for those seeking spiritual solace and tranquility.
OVERVIEW OF MONASTERIES IN NIGERIA
A monastery is a building that houses a group of monks. Monks are people who have sworn to devote their lives fully to a religious service within Catholicism. These monks live in the monasteries. In Nigeria, there are about five monasteries across the country but because these monasteries uphold a high level of secrecy, only about four are commonly known and can be discussed.
In ancient times within Catholicism, monks were a part of as minority who could read and write, so they brought education to their congregation and to the rest of the world. Monks also kept a detailed record of past events, ongoing and upcoming events. Other functions of monks were to provide food to people who came to the church for help, they had different roles in the church as leading the choir, reading bible lessons to the congregation, being in charge of Christian books, etc.
In this article, we explore these monasteries and where they are located. Let’s begin.
LIST OF POPULAR MONASTERIES IN NIGERIA & LOCATION
Below are the major Catholic monasteries in Nigeria and their locations
MATER ECCLESIAE MONASTERY SANGOTEDO, LAGOS STATE
Sangotedo is located in Eti-Osa, Lagos, Nigeria. Lagos state is one of the five western states in Nigeria. Mater Ecclesiae Monastery is home to a community of nuns and this monastery is inspired by Saint John Paul II. Saint John Paul II was once the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City till he died in 2005. He was a man of faith and is remembered for his audacious efforts to end communism and for issuing an apology for the Catholic church’s involvement in World War II.
As always, a monastery is a reminder of the peace and tranquility that can exist in the world and this monastery is no different. The nuns at Mater Ecclesiae Monastery choose to uphold their faith and follow the path of their doctrine in a sacred and consecrated manner. Living true to their oaths of ‘Totus Tuus’ in chastity, poverty, obedience, and in keeping the Rule ‘Totus Tuus’.
ALSO READ: HOW TO BECOME A CATHOLIC MONK IN NIGERIA
Walking through the gates of the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, both sides of the road are filled with a well-kept garden and sculptures of the saints of Catholicism. As with monasteries, everyone must observe silence except when called upon to speak. The building itself is very visible with a huge sign of the cross at its top.
For anyone looking to visit, its address is Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie Rd, Eti-Osa 106104, Sangotedo.
DEMAS NWOKO BENEDICTINE MONASTERY, EWU-ESAN, EDO STATE
The Demas Nwoko Benedictine Monastery is located in Ewu-Esan, Edo State, Nigeria. The Demas Nwoko Benedictine Monastery was built in the order of Saint Benedict and Ewu monastery is home to a community of Benedictine monks. This popular monastery is also known by many as Ewu Monastery. Demas Nwoko, although not a monk, has this monastery named after him because of his amazing ability to create masterpieces in building design. He strives to integrate modern structural techniques and stage design to reflect African culture.
This gorgeous work of art was built by Dom Augustine O’Sullivan and Dom Columaba Breen of Glenstal. The trio was sent to Nigeria to build this monastery after the Monastic community of Saint Columba Abbey, Ireland, failed in two attempts to establish a church in Uruguay and Kenya.
Apart from serving the monks, this monastery also serves as a retreat center for those seeking to find a peaceful and serene environment for spiritual worship. It can accommodate up to 50 guests. Also, the monastery has a visible enterprise which is an herbal product manufacturing private known as Pax herbal clinic and research laboratories.
For anyone looking to visit, the address is Ekpoma-Auchi Road, 310113, Ewumonastery, Nigeria.
AUGUSTINIAN MONASTERY JOS, NIGERIA
This monastery is located in the northern part of Nigeria. The Augustinian monastery is 45 years old (1976 – 2021). It is one of the most popular monasteries as it is referred to as the ‘mother house’ of all Augustinians in Nigeria. Authorities at this major monastery chose to situate it at its present location as a result of the relocation of Saint Augustine’s Major seminary from its temporary quarters in Saint Michael’s Nasarawa to the present-day site in Laranto in 1970.
Fr. Vincent Bertie Hickey was in charge of the supervision of this site after its acquisition and further enlargement in June of the year 1978. The building of the structure lasted for about two years. To live through to its claims as the mother house of the Nigerian province, in 1976 the monastery housed the Nigerian pioneer students, the formators, and the home for the Vice provincial.
It also proudly holds the memories of our Nigerian brothers’ events such as the first chapters of the vice-province, Augustinian publications as established by bro, the Augustinian Federation of Africa, and many more. Later development would have the home and office of the provincial related to Rantya, leaving the monastery as the home of the professed students and the formators.
The bond of the monks at this monastery is very close as they eat together, work together, recreate together, and pray together. Although different tribes, color, character, face, talents, gifts are represented, they are all bound by love and togetherness. As always, the Augustinian Monastery meets the spiritual needs of everyone who walks through its gates.
AWHUM MONASTERY ENUGU
The Awhum Monastery is located in Amamaugwe village of Awhum town in Udi local government area, Enugu state, Nigeria. The Awhum Monastery was founded by Father Abraham Ojefua in 1970 and was incorporated on the 2nd of July, 1978. It obtained the status of an abbey on the 15th of February 2006. Awhum Monastery is located in a valley town in Enugu state, one of the five eastern states in Nigeria. The town has other special features such as a waterfall.
The Awhum Monastery’s official name is Our Lady of Mount Calvary Monastery. The building of this monastery is big enough to accommodate those looking for a serene environment for spiritual worship.
For those looking to visit this popular Nigerian monastery, the address is Amamaugwe village of Awhum town in Udi local government area, Ohum.
MONASTERY OF CHRIST THE KING (MCK), ILE-IFE, OSUN STATE
The Monastery of Christ the King is located in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. The Monastery of Christ the King (MCK) is a religious community of the Order of Saint Benedict, located in Ile-Ife, Osun State. The monastery is dedicated to the spiritual growth and development of its members, as well as providing service to the local community.
The monks at MCK live a life of prayer, work, and community. They seek to embody the Benedictine values of stability, obedience, and humility. The monastery offers a peaceful and serene environment for those seeking spiritual retreat or reflection.
ALSO READ: HOW TO BECOME A CATHOLIC NUN IN NIGERIA
The Monastery of Christ the King also engages in various apostolates, such as education, healthcare, and pastoral care. The monks run a primary school and a healthcare center, providing valuable services to the local community.
For those looking to visit, the address is Monastery of Christ the King, P.O. Box 124, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
BENEDICTINE MONASTERY, SHERE HILLS, PLATEAU STATE
The Benedictine Monastery is located in Shere Hills, Plateau State, Nigeria. The Benedictine Monastery in Shere Hills, Plateau State, is a place of prayer, reflection, and spiritual retreat. The monastery is situated in a serene and scenic location, surrounded by the beautiful Shere Hills.
The monks at the Benedictine Monastery live a contemplative life, dedicating themselves to prayer, work, and community. They follow the Rule of Saint Benedict, striving for a balance of prayer, work, and rest.
The monastery offers accommodation for individuals or groups seeking a peaceful and quiet environment for spiritual retreat or reflection. Visitors to the monastery can participate in the monastic liturgy, join the monks in prayer and meditation, and enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding landscape.
For those looking to visit, the address is Benedictine Monastery, P.O. Box 174, Shere Hills, Plateau State, Nigeria.
DOMINICAN MONASTERY, IBADAN, OYO STATE
The Dominican Monastery is located in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. The Dominican Monastery in Ibadan is a religious community of Dominican nuns. The nuns live a contemplative life, dedicated to prayer, study, and community. They follow the charism of Saint Dominic, founder of the Dominican Order, and seek to promote the Dominican values of prayer, study, community, and preaching.
The monastery provides a peaceful and serene environment for those seeking spiritual retreat or reflection. Visitors to the monastery can join the nuns in prayer, participate in the liturgy, and engage in spiritual conversations and guidance.
The Dominican Monastery also offers retreat programs and spiritual direction for individuals or groups seeking a deeper connection with their faith and spirituality.
For those looking to visit, the address is Dominican Monastery, P.O. Box 72, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
CISTERCIAN MONASTERY, OKA, ANAMBRA STATE
The Cistercian Monastery is located in Oka, Anambra State, Nigeria. The Cistercian Monastery in Oka is a contemplative religious community of Cistercian nuns. The nuns live a simple and austere life, dedicated to prayer, work, and community. They follow the Rule of Saint Benedict and seek to embody the values of simplicity, humility, and silence.
The monastery provides a peaceful and quiet environment for those seeking spiritual retreat or reflection. Visitors to the monastery can join the nuns in prayer, participate in the liturgy, and experience the simplicity and beauty of monastic life.
The Cistercian Monastery also offers hospitality to individuals or groups seeking a retreat or a space for spiritual renewal. The monastery provides comfortable accommodations and meals for visitors, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the monastic atmosphere.
For those looking to visit, the address is Cistercian Monastery, P.O. Box 58, Oka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
ORDER OF SAINT AUGUSTINE MONASTERY, OWERRI, IMO STATE
The Order of Saint Augustine Monastery is located in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. The Order of Saint Augustine Monastery in Owerri is a religious community of Augustinian friars. The friars live a life of prayer, community, and service. They follow the Rule of Saint Augustine and seek to embody the Augustinian values of unity, truth, and love.
The monastery provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for those seeking spiritual retreat or guidance. Visitors to the monastery can join the friars in prayer, participate in the liturgy, and engage in spiritual conversations and guidance.
The Order of Saint Augustine Monastery also offers programs and activities for individuals or groups seeking a deeper connection with their faith and spirituality. These include retreats, workshops, and seminars on various topics of spiritual and personal growth.
For those looking to visit, the address is Order of Saint Augustine Monastery, P.O. Box 48, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
MONASTERY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
The Monastery of the Immaculate Conception is located in Nkpor, Anambra State, Nigeria. The Monastery of the Immaculate Conception is a contemplative religious community of Cistercian nuns. The nuns live a life dedicated to prayer, work, and community. They follow the Rule of Saint Benedict and seek to embody the Cistercian values of simplicity, silence, and solitude.
The monastery provides a peaceful and serene environment for those seeking spiritual retreat or reflection. Visitors to the monastery can join the nuns in prayer, participate in the liturgy, and experience the peace and beauty of monastic life.
The Monastery of the Immaculate Conception also offers hospitality to individuals or groups seeking a retreat or a space for spiritual renewal. The monastery provides comfortable accommodations and meals for visitors, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the monastic atmosphere.
For those looking to visit, the address is Monastery of the Immaculate Conception, P.O. Box 79, Nkpor, Anambra State, Nigeria.
CONCLUSION
These monasteries in Nigeria represent places of peace, spirituality, and reflection. Whether one is seeking a retreat, a space for prayer, or an opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of monastic life, these monasteries offer a range of services and environments to meet the needs of individuals and groups.
