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Our Lady of Kokoubou Monastery (Benin)

ParakouBenin Founded in 1972

Monks
StayFrom 1 to 7 nights
Offices7/day

Our Lady of Kokoubou Monastery is a Trappist monastery of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance (OCSO), located in the heart of the Beninese countryside, on the edge of the Ouémé forest. Born in the wake of the Second Vatican Council, it was founded in 1972 by brothers from Notre-Dame de Bellefontaine Abbey, at the request of Cardinal Bernardin Gantin. This contemplative order lives by prayer, celebrated seven times a day in community, and manual work, four to six hours a day.

Surrounded by Fulani and Bariba villages, in a lush and refreshingly different setting, the brothers welcome men and women who wish to seek God in solitude for a few days, to rest, or to carry out academic work. Nearby, accessible by car, the city of Parakou, the Ouémé river, and the Ouari Maro mountain offer opportunities for excursions.

Learn more about this place

What awaits you

Solo or accompanied retreatIndividual spiritual guidance available · free participation in community life
Manual workGuests who wish to may help with manual work on site
Meals in silenceMeals prepared and served by the monks, taken in silence
Lush surroundingsGreen landscape on the edge of the Ouémé forest · a true change of scenery

Practical information

Welcome

Everyone is welcome. Guests are invited to freely join in the life of the community: times of prayer, meals, and manual work. The community welcomes guests for solitary or accompanied retreats.

Accommodation

The guest house includes 4 buildings with rooms and bathrooms. Rooms are primarily single occupancy, along with three rooms with two or three beds. A conference room for around ten people is available for groups.

Meals

Lunches and dinners are prepared and served by the monastic community. Meals are taken in silence. Bed linens are provided; please bring your own towel.

Surroundings

The monastery is set in open countryside, surrounded by Fulani and Bariba villages. The city of Parakou, the Ouémé River, and the Ouari Maro mountain (about 25 miles away) are accessible by car.

Getting there

Train

By bush taxi - from Natitingou, stop at the village of Sanson, which is 2 km from the monastery.

Car

Coming from Cotonou, a Brother may be able to pick you up with a contribution toward gas. Otherwise, take the RNIE6 from Parakou.

Bike

Even easier than the bush taxi, as there is no need to stop at the village of Sanson.

Location