Cistercians of the Common Observance

The Cistercians: A Return to Benedictine Roots

The Cistercians, also commonly referred to as White Monks or Bernardines, represent a significant branch of Catholic monasticism that emerged in 1098. Originating as a reform movement from the Benedictine order, the Cistercians sought to revive the original ideals of simplicity, austerity, and manual labor as laid out in the Rule of Saint Benedict. The order's name derives from its first monastery, Cîteaux Abbey (Latin: Cistercium), located near Dijon in eastern France. Key figures in its early development include Robert of Molesme, Alberic of Cîteaux, and Stephen Harding. The influential Bernard of Clairvaux, who joined in the early 1110s, played a pivotal role in the order's rapid expansion across Europe by the end of the 12th century.

Core Principles and Contributions

The defining characteristic of Cistercian life was a strict adherence to the Benedictine Rule, often with an added layer of austerity. They returned to manual labor, particularly agricultural work, and became renowned for their contributions to medieval culture and technology. Cistercian architecture developed a distinct style recognizable in its monastic buildings, and the order was instrumental in diffusing innovations in fields such as agriculture and hydraulic engineering. The foundational document outlining their governance and inter-monastic relations, the Carta Caritatis (Charter of Charity), significantly influenced the future development of Western monasticism by balancing the autonomy of individual abbeys with a central governing body.

Evolution and Observances

Over centuries, the focus of many Cistercian monasteries shifted towards education and scholarship. A significant reform movement in 17th-century France, originating at La Trappe Abbey, led to the establishment of the Trappists, officially known as the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (OCSO). Those who continued to adhere to the original principles are now known as the Cistercians of the Common Observance (OCist). Cistercian monastic life emphasizes solitude and silence, though they do not take a perpetual vow of silence. The order's spirituality also extends beyond Catholicism, with adherents found in some Lutheran and Anglican monastic communities.