Although individual monks took a vow of poverty, monasteries were usually very wealthy because government today has recognised the importance of the monastic initiatives for African development, through the help of monks like Father Anselm Adodo, they have been able to give the church land and endowments. Therefore many monasteries were able to set up profitable businesses today with such space; they used their resources to help the sick and the poor. PAX herbal centre situated in Saint Benedictine monastery is one of the biggest herbal research centres in Africa
Monks had plenty of time on their hands, and often experimented with herbs and plants which they made into medicines. Their treatments were based on these herbs and plants but also in their belief in the power of God.
For centuries since the middle Ages, the influence of Benedictine monasticism became evident in the conversion of the villagers, the development of agriculture, the cultivation of learning, and the teaching of crafts. Among the crafts in which monks worked were painting, wood carving, metalwork, carpentry, weaving, winemaking, tailoring, leather tanning
