Agricultural revival at The Mount

After a long pause, the Benedictine monks of the Abbey of Our Lady of Exile at Mt St Benedict have revived their farming operations, blending a rich history of self-sufficiency with a modern mission of community service, writes KLYSHA BEST.

Farming is not a new venture for the Abbey, which was founded in 1912.

For decades, the monks sustained themselves through poultry, sheep, and vegetable production. However, this tradition was put on hold to make way for a different kind of ministry.

Abbot John Pereira OSB, in a recent interview, explained that the monastery leased its land to the Caritas AIDS Ministries for 50 years to support their outreach to people living with HIV and their families.

“At the time, AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) had a stigma,” Abbot John recalled, noting the challenges the organisation faced in finding a home. The monastery opened its arms to them, and the project lasted for several years.

When the organisation eventually chose to break the lease, the monks saw a divine opportunity. “We said, well, among ourselves, that that would be an opportunity for us to resuscitate what was there from before,” Abbot John said.

In September 2024, the Abbey began its agricultural revival. Starting with an investment in small chicks, the monks have broadened their vision to include a farm that is steadily expanding. Br Lance Herbert OSB, a monk who has a deep love for agriculture, is one of the key figures tending to the land.

“I have a love for agriculture since I small,” Br Lance shared, expressing his belief in a connection with the plants he cultivates. “Sometimes you communicate to the plants, you know. Speak to them, and next time you come back, they’re flourishing,” he said, reflecting on his daily routine of working from 9 a.m. till noon on the farm.

Enrique De Comarmond, another dedicated worker on the farm, brings a similar passion for the land. “The peace, I would say—just being out in the garden surrounded by nature, the animals, everything. It’s just nice to be out there,” he said, describing the serene yet labour-intensive environment.

The farm produces a variety of crops, including pimento, melongene, ochro, pumpkin, and seasonings like celery and parsley.

The farm has already proven its productivity. Enrique noted that they harvest five to six buckets of pimento weekly from a section with about 200 plants, and well over 100 pounds of melongene each week from the same area. This produce primarily supplies the monastery’s kitchen and is also sold locally.

Central to the revival is the poultry operation, which focuses on producing high-quality eggs.

The monastery limits exposure to the chicken coops to prevent disease, with only two designated people allowed to handle the thousands of chicks and collect the eggs.

Br Prince Kamate OSB, a postulant from the Democratic Republic of Congo who has lived in Kenya, is one of the monks responsible for daily egg classification. His job involves sorting eggs by size and quality, a process that requires care and precision.

“We can drop an egg—that is already a loss—but it’s normal; it’s [an] accident in all kinds of works,” he said, demonstrating the hands-on nature of the work.

To ensure freshness and manage demand, the Abbey has established a sales point at a small shop on the monastery grounds.

Lisa Castillo, who has been with the monastery for over 20 years, manages weekend sales.

Abbot John emphasised that the demand for the eggs has been growing steadily, with sales limited to Saturdays and Sundays, 7–11 a.m. In addition to individual sales, the monastery also fulfils bulk orders for restaurants and other large purchasers.

The Abbey’s agricultural revival is just beginning. With an eye on the future, the monks are expanding their operations, including introducing pigs in a significant way. The goal is to create a sustainable and self-sufficient model that not only supports the monastery but also serves the surrounding community.

“We have experimented in several ways how to sell our produce,” Abbot John said, reflecting on the journey so far. The revival of farming at Mt St Benedict is a testament to the Benedictine motto of Ora et Labora (Pray and Work), proving that even after a long pause, the land can once again flourish.