Monastère d'Ampibanjinana - Madagascar
Madagascar Founded in 1996
The Masina Maria Ampibanjinana monastery, a Cistercian community of nuns in Madagascar, is located 16 km north of Fianarantsoa, in the heart of the Betsileo countryside. Founded in 1996 by the abbey of Campénéac in Brittany, it brings together around fifteen sisters, seven of whom are in formation. Members of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance, which follows the Rule of Saint Benedict, they structure their day around the seven monastic offices, alternating with work in the bakery and confectionery, the guest house, the garden, and the farm.
Surrounded by a 20-hectare forest in a bend of the Matsiatra river, the monastery sits at an altitude of 1,000 meters, in the heart of landscapes of terraced rice paddies and rolling hills as far as the eye can see. During a spiritual retreat, you can experience calm and prayer alongside the sisters, while discovering the Malagasy way of life.
What awaits you
Practical information
Liturgy
The offices are celebrated in Malagasy. Bilingual Malagasy-French booklets are available for guests. On weekdays, Mass is sometimes celebrated in French. Participation is entirely optional.
Meals
Two refectories (one small, one large). Meals can be taken in silence or with conversation, according to guests' preference. The Sisters offer both Malagasy and European cuisine, on request.
Accommodation
20 rooms spread across 2 buildings connected by a veranda, on either side of the church. 3 double rooms and one family room (bunk beds). Bed linens provided. Hot water available.
Access to nature
The 20-hectare forest surrounding the monastery, the vegetable garden with its gazebo, and the rice paddies are freely accessible to guests. The monastery is perched at an altitude of 3,280 ft (1,000 m), with stunning views over the hills.
Spiritual guidance
Individual spiritual guidance is available on request, provided by the chaplain or by one of the Sisters.
Getting there
The best option is the taxi-brousse: get off at Andohasana at the Ivoamba crossroads and do not continue to Fianarantsoa (let the driver know). Luggage must be placed in the rear trunk, not on the roof.
The city of Fianarantsoa is 16 km to the south via the RN7.
Just as with the taxi-brousse or by car, access is easy: coming from the north or east, simply stop at Andohasana (Ivoamba crossroads).