Bernardine Cistercians of Esquermes

The Bernardine Cistercians of Esquermes

The Bernardine Cistercians of Esquermes are a contemporary branch of the venerable Cistercian Order, dedicated to living the Rule of St. Benedict and actively participating in the apostolic mission of the Catholic Church. Their charism is deeply rooted in prayer, hospitality, and educational endeavors. This community, composed of eight monasteries spread across six countries, operates under a unified central government. The order's spiritual life revolves around the Divine Office, the Eucharist, and Lectio Divina, fostering a deep connection with God and one another.

History and Foundation

The origins of the Bernardine Cistercians of Esquermes are intrinsically linked to the tumultuous period of the French Revolution. Prior to the revolution, three significant Cistercian abbeys for women in Flanders—Notre Dame de la Brayelle at Annay, Notre Dame de la Woestine at St. Omer, and Notre Dame Des Près in Douai—were known for their communities of sisters who were often referred to as Bernardines. These abbeys met their end in 1792, when they were suppressed, their assets confiscated, and their members dispersed.

However, the Cistercian ideal endured through the resilience of three determined sisters: Dame Hippolyte Lecouvreur from Les Près, her sister Dame Hombeline Lecouvreur from Annay, and Dame Hyacinthe Dewismes from La Woestine. In 1799, these three nuns united in the small village of Esquermes, then a suburb of Lille, with the singular purpose of reviving their monastic life. To support themselves and demonstrate their value in a climate still hostile to religious orders, they established a school. This educational work was a direct continuation of the traditions of their former abbeys, which had previously offered small schools for young girls. The construction of their new monastery began in 1806, and it took three decades to re-establish their official statutes and interior rule, drawing heavily on their Cistercian customs. The Monastery of Notre Dame de la Plaine was officially erected on May 28, 1827, by which time they had been joined by several other women, including nuns from their former communities.

Spiritual Life and Structure

Bernardine Cistercians embrace a life of prayer and service, guided by the Rule of St. Benedict and Cistercian traditions. Central to their daily rhythm are the liturgical offices, celebrated five times a day, culminating in Vigils which concludes with the singing of the Salve Regina. The Eucharist at Mass is the source and summit of their spiritual life. Personal prayer, particularly Lectio Divina (prayerful reading of scripture), is also a significant component of their formation.

The order makes the three traditional Benedictine vows: Stability, Obedience, and Conversion of Life, which includes consecrated chastity and poverty. The Blessed Virgin Mary holds a special place in their spirituality, with all Bernardine monasteries dedicated to her. The order is governed by a central administration, led by a prioress general and a general council, based at the mother house in Saint-André-lez-Lille. Each community maintains local governance, and a general chapter convenes every six years for elections and to debate important matters, holding the supreme authority of the order.