Monastery of Christ the Word - Zimbabwe

The founding of the Monastery of Christ the Word in Zimbabwe

In 1992 a conference of Southern African Benedictines held in Zimbabwe at Chishawasha seminary raised the possibility of having Benedictine monks in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwean Bishops went on to invite the monastery of Ampleforth in the North of England to found a monastery in Zimbabwe.

The neighbouring Precious Blood sisters offered a two story building in their grounds at Monte Cassino mission near Macheke as an initial location and thus the Monastery of Christ the Word was founded.

Day to day life

In the Monastery of Christ the Word, we grow a lot of our own food, fruit and vegetables as well as raising our own livestock. We have goats, rabbits, chickens, ducks, geese and guinea fowl. We also do our own cooking, cleaning and washing and general monastery maintenance.

We aim for a deeper understanding about the care of those in need in Zimbabwe. Abbot Robert, a trained nurse, spent twenty-four years at this Monastery before being elected Abbot of Ampleforth. While he was here, he wrote a book on the pastoral care of those who are HIV Positive and one on the Theology of AIDS.

Retreats with us

Perhaps you would like to undertake a retreat here: many people do, including priests, lay people, young and old. You can come for just a couple of days, a week, or more.

We welcome our guests to join us during Divine Office and ensure that retreatants are given an hour or so with a member of the Community per day, for the duration of their stay. Retreat accommodation consists of a room to yourself and meals are provided.

People remark on the peace, quiet and spirituality experienced on retreats. Should you wish to join us please ring, email or write to the Guestmaster giving the dates you would like (with alternatives if possible). We suggest a $15 a night donation but you can give more or less as you are able.

Trying a Vocation

We try to serve God by our prayer and work in the monastery or in our parishes. Our vow of Stability means that a monk normally spends his entire life in the same monastic Community meaning we invite you to spend time understanding your calling and getting to know us should you be interested in trying a vocation.

It is important to note that, although some monks become priests, most do not. The monastic vocation is complete in itself and ordination is not the normal goal of monastic life.

Although we have no set prerequisites, we look for an ability to read, write and speak in English, which is the language of this Community, and good intelligence rather than particular academic standards. You should also have an aptitude for reading and learning as well as work, both manual and intellectual.

If, when you have taken advice and prayed about it, you feel drawn to monastic life, you could write to the Director of Vocations, (at Monastery of Christ the Word, Monte Cassino Mission, P Bag 902, Macheke, Zimbabwe) asking to come and see us or stay with us for a time.

To find out more about Monastery of Christ the Word, contact the monastery's Prior, Fr Barnabas at: barnabas@ampleforthabbey.org.uk.

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