Montefano, St. Sylvester’s Monastery, Kandy: Historic and Spiritual Church
Set in the picturesque hills of Ampitiya, Kandy, Montefano St. Sylvester’s Monastery is a testament to Benedictine monastic tradition and the century-old Catholic presence in Sri Lanka. Founded in 1927, the monastery is not only a refuge for prayer and spiritual rejuvenation but also an educational institution, social center, and interfaith dialogue hub. The Benedict monks of Montefano adhere to the timeless Benedictine tradition of “Ora et Labora” (Pray and Work) that leaves locals and tourists in wonder alike.
Historical Context and Origin of Montefano
The history of Montefano began in the early 20th century when the Benedictine Order, a Catholic Church congregation that specializes in monastic life, looked for a suitable location to build a motherhouse in Sri Lanka. The Sylvestrine Benedictines or the Montefano Congregation was particularly interested in Sri Lanka due to its strong Catholic heritage and the possibility of furthering the spiritual growth of the country.
The Benedictine monks, headed by Father Giorgio Belotti, bought a land in Ampitiya, a small town outside Kandy in the Sri Lankan central highlands, in 1927. The estate was a colonial house known as Yatawara Walauwa. The monks transformed the estate into a monastic dwelling, and the Montefano Monastery came into being. The “Montefano” name was derived from the monks’ original motherhouse in Italy, further denoting a tight hold on their European roots. The inaugural Holy Mass of the monastery was said on November 26, 1927, St. Sylvester’s feast day, patron saint of the Benedictine Order.
Architectural and Environmental Significance
Montefano’s design of the building is both functional and beautiful. The monks wished to have a facility that is conducive to contemplative prayer but at the same time would enable them to enjoy their surroundings. The monastery was built in a way that combines traditional Sri Lankan architecture with the spirit of the European Benedictine tradition. The monks’ rooms, chapel, and other structures have a plain but austere appearance, which is in keeping with the Benedictine principle of simplicity, austerity, and beauty.
The hilly site of the monastery offers a bird’s eye view of the country, including the Knuckles Mountain Range and the Dumbara Valley. The cool climate and lush cover of the terrain around present a peaceful atmosphere suitable for contemplation, prayer, and study. The peaceful ambiance is entirely in line with Benedictine practice of silence, solitude, and closeness to nature, which are at the heart of their spiritual lives.
The grounds of the monastery are well maintained, with gardens, paths, and contemplative areas all being well-maintained. One of the things that most impresses people is the tranquility that exists in the environment, an outgrowth of the spiritual life of the monastery.
Spiritual Life and Benedictine Practices
At its core is monastic life of prayer, work, and fellowship. Montefano Benedictine monks follow the Rule of St. Benedict, a set of guidelines that prizes equilibrium between body and spirit. The monks’ daily life is interlaced by the recitation of the Liturgy of the Hours, a formal program of prayer that includes many daily periods of prayer: Matins, Lauds, Vespers, and Compline.
Monastic existence in Montefano is about communal living, and each monk must contribute towards the upkeep of the monastery by working. Gardening, cooking, cleaning, and office tasks are some of the work. Work is perceived by the monks as an essential part of their spiritual journey, providing them with the opportunity to serve God through their daily work and to enable the monastery to be self-sufficient.
In addition to the community prayer life, Montefano also offers spiritual retreats to individuals and groups who wish to deepen their faith or seek comfort. The retreats are an opportunity for participants to witness Benedictine spirituality in practice, with a focus on silence, meditation, and prayer. With spiritual guidance, the monks guide participants through their own path of faith.
Educational Contributions of the Benedictine Order
Apart from their monastic life, the Benedictine monks of Montefano have been deeply involved with education. The tradition of fostering learning and scholarship has been long associated with the Benedictine Order, and this continues to be a central activity for them in Sri Lanka.
The monks have also played a significant role in establishing and running several notable schools and institutions of learning throughout the nation. The most popular of these is the St. Sylvester’s College in Kandy, which the Benedictine Fathers established in 1942. The college named after St. Sylvester is a notable institution of learning and provides good education to the children in the locality.
St. Sylvester’s College is oriented towards academic success, moral development, and religious instruction. The institution does not only mold the personalities of the students but also makes them good students as well as good human beings. The presence of Benedictine had a profound impact, with the institution having much discipline and a great sense of camaraderie among the students.
Other than St. Sylvester’s College, the monks have also been engaged in the establishment of other institutions of learning like St. Benedict’s College in Colombo and St. Anthony’s College in Wahakotte. These institutions provide relevant opportunities for education, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and continue the tradition of intellectual and moral growth under Benedictine.
Interfaith Dialogue and Social Outreach
Montefano also finds fame because of its earnest efforts towards interfaith dialogue and social outreach. The monks from Montefano make relentless efforts to bring together and work alongside the various religious groups in Sri Lanka. Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity, which are deeply diverse in terms of culture, have co-existed peacefully on Sri Lankan soil. This belief is fundamental in the nature of the task at hand at the Benedictine monastery. The mission at this monastery involves inculcating harmonious peaceful existence and cooperation between religious faiths.
The monastery has also been involved in various social outreach programs, such as assisting the poor and marginalized communities, providing educational and medical services, and assisting in protecting the environment. The monks are committed to living out the Gospel values of love, compassion, and service through performing charitable deeds that benefit the greater good.
By engaging in interfaith dialogue and social activism, the Montefano monks seek to promote a culture of peace, understanding, and social justice in Sri Lanka.
Montefano Today and Its Legacy
Montefano St. Sylvester’s Monastery continues to be a symbol of Benedictine spirituality in Sri Lanka today. The monastery continues to be an active center for prayer, learning, and service. The monks still live according to the Rule of St. Benedict, offering their lives as a witness to the power of faith, prayer, and work.
The educational activities, social initiatives, and commitment to interfaith dialogue of the monastery have made an impactful difference to Sri Lankan society. It’s a reflection of the lasting legacy of the Benedictine Order and its relevance to the modern world. Moving forward with Sri Lanka, Montefano will undoubtedly remain a common pillar of faith, service, and community.
Montefano St. Sylvester’s Monastery, Ampitiya, Kandy, holds a prestigious place in Sri Lanka’s cultural and religious life. From its inception as a historical institution in 1927 to its present function in education, social service, and inter-religious understanding, the monastery has made a lasting impact on the country. Through the patronage of the Benedictine monks, Montefano continues to be a place where work, prayer, and community converge unto a common purpose in the service of God and humankind. It is a witness to the intrinsic integrity of the spiritual life and social engagement and a refuge for all humanity seeking peace, prayer, and meaning in life.
Address: Ampitiya Road,Kandy,Sri Lanka
Phone: 0812 223 684
Map of Montefano, St. Sylvester’s Monastery
