About Us & History
About Us
We are called Olivetan Benedictine Monks. Our Founder, Saint Bernard Tolomei began our branch of the Order of Saint Benedict in the year 1319 after he and his followers withdrew (1313) to a place of solitude called Accona (about 31km from Siena, Italy ). On 21st January, 1344, Pope Clement VI approved the congregation.
A Benedictine vocation is one of voluntarily offering oneself to God through the practice of public and private prayer, stability in the monastery and our congregation, a conversion of our life (to live as monks), obedience, humility, work, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. The charisms of our congregation are: Life in community, Devotion to the Passion of Christ, and Devotion to Our Lady. Olivetan monks live semi contemplative, monastic life, giving special attention to liturgical solemnities. Also, we are involve in active ministry such as teaching and retreat. The monasteries of the congregation, each ruled by an elected abbot or a prior, are independent of one another, but are subject to the abbot general, who is also the abbot of the motherhouse, the Abbey of Mount Olivet.
Akwaboa Monastery History
Before 2000 –
Fr. Emmanuel Boateng, the first Ghanaian Olivetan Monk in Lendinaira community near Padova, Italy encouraged Ghanaian vocations. Bro. Andrew Agyekum and Bro. John Baidoo (deceased) joined the congregation.
2002 –
Dom Emmanuel Boateng informed Archbishop Peter Akwasi Sarpong of the intention of the congregation to have a monastery in the Kumasi Archdiocese. Subsequently, Prior Sergio M. livi, Abbot General Michelangelo M. Tiribilli, Dom Giacomo Ferrari and Dom Emmanuel Boateng made a formal presentation of the congregation’s intention to Archbishop Peter Akwasi Sarpong.
2004-
The formal construction of the monastery was commenced on 25th July, 2004
2006-
On 21st March,2006, the monastery was dedicated and led by the Apostolic Nuccio of Ghana, Archbishop George Kocherry together with Archbishop Peter Akwasi Sarpong, Auxillary Bishop Gabriel Anokye (Kumasi Archdiocese), Bishop Thomas Mensah (Obuasi diocese), Abbot General Michelangelo M. Tiribilli, Abbot Charles Eugene M. Galichet (St. Mary of the Resurrection Abbey, Abu-Gosh, Israel) and Prior Sergio M. livi (Santa Stefano community, Bologna, Italy)
During the consecration of the altar of the monastery dark clouds and a ring of rainbow like a spinning disc was seen in the sky near the cross on top of the church by the crowd including journalists outside who jubilated to the unusual scene.
Almost a month after the blessing and dedication of the monastery, Don John Baidoo died on 28th April, 2006. 33 choir members who attended his funeral had an accident and died.
2007-
Between 2006 and 2007 6 simple professed lived in the community in Ghana - Dom Gideon Sekyi, Dom Francis Kumi, Dom Kizito John Mary Ampofo, Dom Daniel Adjei, Dom Nicolas Monney and Dom Charles Antwi.
2008
During this period, the Prior of Santa Stefano community, visited the community regularly. Also, Dom Jean Michel from Abu-Gosh arrived in April, 2008 to lead the community for 3 months. Dom Gideon and Dom Kizito left to study in the mother house in Siena, Italy.
2011
In July,2011 the community was officially made a house. Dom Jean Michel from Abu-Gosh was chosen as the Superior. After accepting the appointment, he moved back to Akwaboa to serve the house in September,2011.
2012 to present –
The house was suspended on 22nd Febuary,2012. There are 2 monks living and working in the community to maintain and protect the monastery.
Currently, there are 11 Ghanaians in our community. 9 Monks and 2 regular oblates.
Dom Emmanuel Mary Boateng, solemnly professed
Dom Augustine Mary Tawiah Yeboah, solemnly professed
Dom Gideon Mary Awuku Sekyi, solemnly professed
Dom Francis Mary Kumi, solemnly professed
Dom Kizito John Mary Ampofo, solemnly professed
Dom Mark Mary Ntriakwa, solemnly professed
Dom Daniel Mary Adjei, solemnly professed
Dom John Mary Addai Boadi, solemnly professed
Dom Andrew Mary Agyekum, solemnly professed
Fra Richard Mary Kofi Appirey, regular oblate
Fra Francis Mary Osei Akowuah, regular oblate
Guests are welcome here
It was a great stay! The monastery seems like a perfect oasis of peace in Ghana. The monks are really accommodating. The rooms are sized just right and the inner garden is really nice!
A stay as a guest in Akwaboa monastery is not just another accommodation away from home, but a genuine slice of life in an abode that leaves you with sense of wellness and inner peace. Visit the monastery for a retreat or seminar to remember!
During the Holy week of 2019, I had the opportunity to have my silent retreat at the Olivetan Benedictine Monastery at Akwaboa. I will like to recommend the place to you for your next retreat. The monastery is well located and has good facilities for personal retreats. The monks were very helpful during my stay. I look forward to visiting again.
I passed by the Olivetan Benedictine Monastery at Akwaboa one day on my return from Sunyani to Kumasi. The warm and simple welcome by the monks left an impression on me. The green and open space of the monastery creates a good environment for outdoor spiritual exercises. I will urge you to consider this place for your next professional or spiritual retreat and support the growth of monastic life in Ghana.
Really enjoyed my visit to Akwaboa monastery, the property is in a great location and beautiful inside and out, the gardens in particular are stunning. The compound and rooms are very safe and clean. Overall, I would definitely recommend it!