The Story of Our Monastic Community in Kadapa, India

Nestled in the warm, sunlit plains of Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India, the Benedictine Sisters of Christu Jyothi monastery stands as a quiet yet powerful presence a beacon of peace, prayer, and purpose. Surrounded by the natural beauty of dry hills and the simplicity of village life, our community has become a spiritual home to many - not only for the 54 professed members and 29 formees who reside within - but also for the many neighbours who cross our threshold in search of solace, strength, and silence.

Each day in our monastery begins long before the sun rises. In the stillness of early morning, we gather together in the chapel for morning prayer and meditation. The soft rustle of robes, the flicker of candles, and the rhythmic chant of psalms create a space where the soul can rest and rise. Adoration and Holy Mass follow the heart of our daily rhythm. These sacred moments anchor us in God’s love and prepare us to serve the world beyond our monastery walls.

Our life is not just one of prayer, but also of action. The people of Kadapa, many of whom come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, have become part of our extended family. We are especially committed to the education of poor girls, believing that empowering young women through learning is a pathway to dignity and a better future. Side by side with this mission is our heartfelt service to special children those who are speech and hearing impaired. In them, we see not limitations, but extraordinary beauty and strength. Our work with them is not just charity; it is communion.

Hospitality is one of the deepest expressions of our life. Our chapel is always open to our neighbours, friends, and strangers alike. Many come to simply sit in the peaceful stillness, others to join us in prayer and Holy Mass. In the quiet, they find healing. In the community, they find hope. We often hear from visitors that their hearts feel lighter after spending time with us that something unseen yet powerful touches them here.

In the afternoons, we return again to prayer, and in the evenings, we gather for the Rosary, meditation, and night prayer. These sacred pauses throughout the day help us to listen to God, to one another, and to the world that suffers and hopes. Ours is a simple life, but it is rich with meaning. We do not seek to be known or praised. Rather, we seek to be present to God, to one another, and to those who come to our gates in need of peace, prayer, or a listening ear. In Kadapa, amid the hardships and hopes of everyday life, our monastery stands quietly a light on the hill, not hidden, but shining gently. And in that light, many find their way home.

ASPIRANTS

We were truly blessed with 16 new candidates who said 'Yes' to God's call in 2025 and joined our Congregation to follow Him. We welcomed them to our family.

NOVITIATE ENTRY

We are blessed to welcome three postulants who entered the novitiate on July 3rd, 2025.

Our novices with their mistresses. 

FEAST DAY CELEBRATION OF ST. BENEDICT AND THE FIRST PROFESSION OF NOVICE

We were delighted to celebrate the Feast of St. Benedict our patron and the first profession of our novice, Chandini Gumpula, on July 11th 2025 in the presence of Most Rev. Paul Prakash Saginala, the Bishop of Kadapa Diocese.

ASHA NILAYAM SPECIAL SCHOOL FOR SPEECH AND HEARING IMPARIED

We extend our help and support to many children, especially the poor and vulnerable. We believe that through education, we can transform the society.

TAKING CARE OF THE MENTALLY CHALLENGED PEOPLE

In addition to supporting students with speech and hearing impairments, we also care for mentally challenged individuals who have been abandoned by their own families. We provide them with not only shelter and support but also the warmth of love and compassion—caring for them as a mother, sister, or daughter would.

ASHA JYOTHI SOCIETY

Asha Jyothi Society for Women Empowerment and Child Welfare is the social outreach wing of our organization. Its primary aim is to support and uplift women and children, with a special focus on school dropouts and the illiterate. Through various educational, vocational, and emotional support programs, the Society seeks to empower individuals, restore dignity, and help them build a brighter, self-reliant future. We regularly visit families in our community, spending time with them and listening as they share both their joyful moments and the struggles they face in daily life. We console them, pray with them, and offer emotional and spiritual support. It is our joy to accompany them on their journey, offering counselling and encouragement. We invite them to return to the Church, deepen their faith, and encounter Christ especially in the midst of their suffering.

We offer basic computer training to help them stay connected in today’s digital world. We also teach sewing skills and provide sewing machines to those who complete their training, enabling them to earn a livelihood. On special occasions, we distribute clothes and gifts to bring joy into their lives. In addition, we offer counselling to women who are going through depression or emotional struggles.

VISIT OF SR. LYNN

We were fortunate to have the visit of Sr. Lynn McKenzie, OSB the Moderator of the CIB, on 22nd February 2025. We were given a brief presentation of the works of CIB.