The name "Trappist" is often mistakenly altered to "therapist." This confusion occurs frequently because we hear the word "therapist" more often than "Trappist." Although they sound similar, these two words are not related. The name Trappist comes from a monastery in France: La Trappe. The followers of the monastic lifestyle at the La Trappe monastery eventually became known as "Trappist" monks. Therefore, a Trappist monastery is not a place for healing services, whether for physical or mental illnesses, with any specific method of treatment.
A Trappist monastery is a community of monks who spend their time in solitude, praising God, praying, working, and serving one another. However, they are open to receiving any guests who arrive. They provide a space and an atmosphere for prayer for those who wish to pray together or privately. In this way, anyone who comes ultimately encounters God, the Great Healer, who is able to provide whatever is in accordance with His will. It is God Himself who is the ‘"Therapist," ‘ not the Trappist monks, who, by coincidence, have a name similar to that, when the mercy of God brings healing.
In a Hill
The hermitage, established in 1998, is built on a piece of land in the village of Lamanabi, Tanjung Bunga district, East Flores regency, East Nusa Tenggara province. It is located approximately 40 kilometers southwest of the city of Larantuka. If the eastern tip of Flores Island is often referred to as the "head of the dragon," then the Trappist monastery of Lamanabi is its eye, as depicted in the following small map.
The location is situated at an altitude of about 500 meters above sea level. If you travel to Lamanabi from the city of Larantuka, you will follow the coastline before turning at the village of Beloaja to ascend the hills via winding roads. There are several sharp turns and steep climbs, requiring caution to navigate this route. However, you will be greeted with breathtaking views if you turn your head towards the sea.
You will be welcomed by a field of lush green grass when you reach the summit. The thick greenery covering the hills creates a pleasant atmosphere in the village of Lamanabi. The abundant water from the mountain springs throughout the year is a blessing for both the monastery and the villagers of Lamanabi. It is no wonder that various cultivated plants, such as vegetables, fruits, and other crops, thrive in this area.
The Beginning
The idea of establishing a Trappist monastery in the Diocese of Larantuka originated from the desire of the late Bishop of Larantuka, Mgr. Darius Nggawa, SVD. In 1983, he formally invited the Abbot of Rawaseneng Monastery, the late Fr. Abbot Frans Harjawiyata, OCSO, to establish a foundation of Rawaseneng Monastery in the small hamlet of Lamanabi. Lamanabi, in the Lamaholot language, literally means a 'tribal group' lama residing on a 'hill' nabi/nubi. For the indigenous people, the hill was a sacred place for sacrificial rituals dedicated to the Supreme Being (God). Thus, Lamanabi holds a symbolic meaning as the 'Hill of Sacrifice'.
Since Rawaseneng was occupied with establishing the Trappist Sisters' monastery in Gedono, Salatiga, Central Java, it could only actively respond to the request of the Bishop of Larantuka after some time. This response came through seven survey visits by Fr. Abbot Frans and several other members of Rawaseneng Monastery to Lamanabi. These visits took place between 1988 and 1995.
As it was deemed not yet feasible to establish a foundation directly in Lamanabi, Fr. Abbot Frans decided to begin by opening an Annex Monastery (a temporary residence) and sent four monks to Larantuka. On December 12, 1995, they departed and settled in a rented house in Sarotari, Larantuka. The four brothers were: Fr. David Darius Bue, Fr. Dominikus Dadu Hayon, Fr. Mikael Santana, and Fr. Petrus Migu Hayon. On October 15, 1996, the General Chapter of OCSO ((Ordo Cisterciensis Strictioris Observantiae() officially recognized Lamanabi as a foundation of Rawaseneng.
Foto tahun 1995 di halaman muka Rumah Sarotari bersama supir dan mobil Pertapaan
Upacara Peletakan Batu Pertama pembangunan pertapaan tahap pertama di Lamanabi yang dipimpin oleh Mgr. Darius Nggawa dilangsungkan pada 9 Juni 1997. Pada 14 September 1998 keempat rahib biara Aneks tersebut dapat pindah dari Sarotari ke Lamanabi. Selanjutnya pada 29 September 1998 mereka sudah dapat mulai menjalankan hidup regular secara resmi. Oleh karena itu 29 September dianggap sebagai hari jadi Fundasi Lamanabi.
In the General Chapter of November 1999, held in Lourdes, France, Lamanabi was granted permission to begin opening a novitiate. In the General Chapter of October 2005, held in Assisi, Italy, the status of Lamanabi Monastery was elevated from a foundation to a simple priory. The ceremony for the elevation to a simple priory was scheduled for December 8, 2005. Fr. Mikael Santana, OCSO, who had led the small group of monks from the beginning, was elected as the first Prior of Lamanabi Monastery.
Leadership Transition and Silver Jubilee of the Monastery
On December 9, 2021, Fr. Mikael turned 75 years old. In accordance with Statute 40A of the OCSO Constitution, he submitted his resignation as Prior to Dom Eamon Fitzgerald, OCSO (Abbot General). The Abbot General and his council approved the resignation, which became effective on February 1, 2022.
On March 19, 2022, Fr. Abbot Gonzaga Rudiyat, OCSO (Abbot of Rawaseneng Monastery) as the Immediate Father of Lamanabi Monastery, officially appointed and confirmed Fr. Antonius Anjar Daniadi, OCSO as *Superior Ad Nutum*. With the election of Fr. Anton, a leadership transition took place within the Trappist Lamanabi community amid the preparations and various activities leading up to the celebration of the monastery’s 25th anniversary.
One and a half years later, on September 29, 2023, the Lamanabi Monastery celebrated a Thanksgiving Mass for the Silver Jubilee of the monastery, led by Bishop Fransiskus Kopong Kung, Pr (Bishop of Larantuka). The celebration was attended by approximately 500 invited guests, including priests, religious brothers and sisters, monastery relatives, the faithful from Waiklibang Parish, the faithful from Lamanabi Station, and other invited guests.
After the Thanksgiving Mass, the event continued with the inauguration of the Trappist Lamanabi Prayer Garden by Bishop Fransiskus Kopong Kung, Pr (Bishop of Larantuka) and Drs. Alexander Doris Rihi, M.Si (Acting Regent of East Flores).
As the concluding event of the Silver Jubilee celebration of the monastery, on Sunday, November 26, 2023 (Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe), the Trappist Lamanabi community held the election of a new Titular Prior, as Fr. Anton's term as Superior Ad Nutum ended on November 25, 2023. The election process was led by Fr. Abas Gonzaga as the Immediate Father, and Fr. Antonius Anjar Daniadi was elected as the Titular Prior for a six-year term (November 26, 2023 – November 26, 2029).
**Daily Life in Three Main Practices**
The general outline of our daily life is shaped by three main practices that sustain the entire life of Trappist monks. Communal prayer, sacred reading, and manual labor are the three fundamental practices that have formed monastic life since ancient times. Together in a community, the monks take part in the Church’s liturgical worship, known as the Divine Office. As part of the Church, they are entrusted with manifesting the praying Church. The Divine Office is practiced through seven communal prayer times in the Church, beginning as early as 3:30 AM. With the celebration of the Eucharist as its pinnacle, the monks’ daily activities conclude with the Divine Office at 7:45 PM.
- The Divine Office
The Divine Office will only bring spiritual fruitfulness if it is personally internalized. Therefore, each monk must set aside time for personal prayer. Liturgical prayer, when infused with personal prayer, becomes a means to sustain an ongoing dialogue with God.
- Lectio Divina
The ability and attitude of listening are essential for engaging in dialogue with God. This practice of listening is specifically cultivated through sacred reading, known as Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina is a form of reading that leads to prayer. A monk is guided to read the text, absorb it in his heart by repeatedly meditating on it, and then offer a prayer in response to the grace received through the text. Naturally, Sacred Scripture serves as the primary material for Lectio Divina.
- Manual Labor
Monks, of course, cannot live by prayer alone; they must also work. Their work is primarily aimed at earning a living for their daily needs. According to St. Benedict, monks should sustain themselves through their own labor, rather than relying on donations or charity from others. Work is also seen as a form of service and dedication to their fellow brothers in the monastery.
The monks undertake various types of work to earn a living. At Lamanabi, we engage in candle making, cultivating fruits and vegetables, baking bread and various snacks, operating a devotional items shop, providing lodging for retreat guests, and more. Through these activities, the monastery also creates opportunities for local residents to work alongside the monks as employees.
Considering the nature and essence of their vocation, monks are not assigned to pastoral ministry for the laity. They do not manage parishes, schools, or charitable services of that kind. However, to the extent that they are able and when circumstances allow, monks may assist visitors, whether through spiritual guidance or consultation, all of which take place solely within the monastery.
Acara Harian
Adapun jadwal acara sehari-hari para rahib di Pertapaan Lamanabi adalah sebagai berikut:
03:15 Wake up
03:30 Night Office (Office of Readings), followed by 15 minutes of meditation
04:30 Personal spiritual reading
05:45 Morning Prayer, followed by the Celebration of the Eucharist
07:00 Breakfast, followed by free time
08:15 Terce (Mid-Morning Prayer)
08:30 Morning Work
11:30 End of Morning Work
12:00 Sexta prayer (Midday Prayer)
12:20 Lunch, followed by midday rest
14:30 Nona prayer
15:00 Afternoon Work
16:15 End of Afternoon Work
16:30 Personal spiritual reading
17:15 Evening Prayer, followed by 30 minutes of meditation
18:15 Dinner, followed by free time
19:45 Night Prayer (Compline)
20:15 Rest
On Sundays and Liturgical Feast Days, the Celebration of the Eucharist takes place at 08:00, and after Evening Prayer, there is the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament as a substitute for the 30-minute meditation.
Media Sosial OCSO Lamanabi
