Cistercian MonksOur community was founded from Mount Saint Bernard Abbey in Leicestershire, England. The first four monks, forming an advance party, left England under Fr Luke Harris in October 1963. They prepared the buildings for the main party which arrived in May 1964. Altogether there were 13 founders designated, of whom 5 were Africans. Unfortunately, Fr Cyprian Tansi died in England on 20th Jan 1964. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in Nigeria in 1998.
During the first few years following its foundation, the monastery flourished, receiving many postulants and established a suitable economic basis, so that in February 1971, it became a semi-autonomous Priory. Five years later it had become self-supporting and had a community of 35 with prospects of further growth and it was raised to the dignity of an Abbey.
Our horarium gravitates us around prayer and the celebration of the Divine Office. Effectively we go to church seven times a day: Vigils, 2.30 a.m.; Lauds, Mass and Terce, 6.15a.m; Sext before the midday meal; 11.30a.m; None, 1.20 p.m; Vespers, 4.15p.m; Compline, 6.30p.m.; after which we retire to bed. The rest of the day is arranged on a healthy balance between manual work, reading, study and silent prayer,
Our main sources of livelihood are a poultry farm, which produces eggs, day-old chicks and table birds for the local market. And also a herd of about 200 cattle, candle making and other small avenues of income. Obviously, we have not been spared the effects of the economic recession in the country for past decade and half. Still, the Lord has been able to provide for our needs all this while. We thank him.
