What is the Trappist Monastery of Lamanabi?

Trappist, not Therapist

The name “Trappist” is easily mistaken for “therapist”. This mistake often happens because we hear the word “therapist” more often than “Trappist”. Although similar, the two words are not related to each other. The name Trappist comes from the name of a monastery in France: La Trappe. Followers of the monastic style of asceticism at La Trappe monastery were eventually called "Trappist" monks. As such, a Trappist monastery is not a place where we offer healing services, either for physical or mental illnesses, with a particular method of treatment.

A Trappist monastery is a community of monks who spend their time in seclusion praising God, praying, working and serving one another. Nonetheless, we are open to receive every guest who comes. We provide a place and atmosphere of prayer for anyone who wishes to pray with us or privately. In this way we hope that those who come will finally meet God, the Great Healer, who is able to give anything according to His will. Thus it is God Himself who is the Therapist, not the Trappist monks who happen to have such a name, if it is God's mercy that heals.

On a hill

The monastery, which was established in 1998, is built on a piece of land in Lamanabi village, Tanjung Bunga sub-district, East Flores district, East Nusa Tenggara province. It is located about 40 kilometers northwest of Larantuka city. If the eastern end of Flores Island is often referred to as the “head of the dragon”, then we are its “eye”, as depicted in the small map on this page. It is located at an altitude of about 500 meters above sea level. If you travel to Lamanabi from the town of Larantuka, you'll follow the coastline before turning at Beloaja village to climb the hills on a winding road. There are some extreme bends with sharp inclines. Caution is required to navigate this route. Nonetheless, you'll be rewarded with a stunning view when you turn your head towards the sea.

You'll be greeted by verdant grasslands when you reach the top. The dense greenery that covers the hills makes the atmosphere in Lamanabi village feel refreshing for East Flores in general. Abundant water throughout the year from mountain springs is a blessing for us and the villagers of Lamanabi. It's no surprise that a variety of cultivated plants can thrive here, whether it's vegetables, fruits or other perennials.