Support for the Benedictine Sisters in Benin

The Benedictine convent of Notre-Dame de l’Ecoute was founded in 2005 in northern Benin. Originally, all the sisters were from France, but now, there are also African sisters, and there are more young women from Benin interested in the Benedictine life. 

But in 2022, the sisters had to leave their monastery because it was located on the border with Burkina Faso and at risk of attack from jihadists. They were transferred to the Archdiocese of Parakou, which is further south and part of a big and bustling city. Sister Anne Elisabeth believes that this was the work of divine providence: “The Lord has now sent us to the heart of the city of Parakou, right in the pastoral center of the diocese and close to the inter-diocesan minor seminary of Notre Dame de Fatima. Here in the heart of this dynamic Benin city, where many social and religious realities are intermingled, we recognize the challenge to our mission of intercessory prayer. In this way, God is showing us still more clearly than before the urgent necessity of praying for the whole world, but especially for our country, our diocese, and the local Church.“ 

Sister Anne Elisabeth continues: “The situation in the city allows us to be more visible and makes it easier for the Catholic faithful in Benin to discover our liturgy. We know how greatly people want to pause from time to time, even during a very active day, to seek the Lord in the midst of their tribulations and confide their joys and sorrows to Him. Just last week, for example, a young man came here with his fiancée, to a place where time seems to stand still, in order to reflect on their future together.”

Their residence in the city means that the Benedictine sisters can introduce younger people to their lifestyle. The sisters hold retreat days for young women, and sometimes, the Sister explains, there are chance encounters that “show us the Lord is at work.” Recently, a woman passed the convent doors, pushing a wheelbarrow full of herbs; now, she wants to become a Benedictine nun.  

The sisters‘ original convent in Benin had land for livestock and a fruit and vegetable garden, as well as an apiary and a host-baking machine. All of this helped to support their life and apostolate. But in the new house, they have had to start over from scratch, and so we are offering to help them with basic financial support of $21,728.

Code: 117-06-39