L'Étoile Notre-Dame
Location
Official Name Monastère l'Étoile Notre-Dame
N° 39
Country Benin
City Parakou
Address 02 B.P. 294
Contact Information
Telephone [229] 95 28 91 41
Community Email [email protected]
Superior Mère Elisabeth Marie Samati, Abbesse 2021-2027
Other Information
Juridical Status Abbey
Diocese Dioecesis Parakuensis (Parakou)
OCSO Region RAFMA
Founded/Restored 1960
Origins
Foundation of Les Gardes
History
In 1960 N.D. des Gardes sent the first group to Dahomey, who started monastic life 27 November; other groups came in the following months.
During the following years, the monastery was constructed and the community was organized.
1962, 14 July: the first stone was laid for the church by Mgr Gantin, archbishop of Cotonou, it had been blessed by Mgr Chopard on 6 May 1962.
During the course of the year, M. Maga, president of the Republic visited, accompanied by M. Senghor, president of the Republic of Senegal.
1964 on the vigil of the ascension, Fr. André of Bellefontaine died of snakebite. He had been there only 4 days.
1965 the general chapter authorized the request to be erected as an abbey.
1966 January 17, canonical erection as an abbey, and change of stability of the founders.
18 January, election of the first abbess.
25 January, consecration of the church.
Foundations
Mvanda (1991)
Father Immediate
Bellefontaine
Past Superiors
Monique MASSON — Supérieure — 1961 – 18/01/1966
Monique MASSON — Abbesse — 18/01/1966 – 24/06/1999
Bibiane IGBARO — Abbesse — 1999 – 2015
Geneviève AKAKPO — Abbesse — 2015 – 10/07/2021
Work and Sources of Income
Yogurts, jams, syrups, fruit juice and aperitifs, honey and bee-glue, medicinal plants and beauty products, pork butchery, cards, candles, icons; farm
Guest Facilities
30 rooms of which 10 are doubles and 3 are triples
Transportation
Gare destinataire : Parakou.
