The Cistercians are members of the Cistercian Order, a religious Order of monks and nuns. They are sometimes referred to as the Bernardines, after Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, the most influential of Cistercians, although this term is also used of the Franciscan Order in Poland and Lithuania. They are also k nown as the White Monks, a reference to the color of the robes worn by the Cistercians over their habits. Originally, the emphasis of Cistercian life was on manual labor and self-sufficiency, and many Cistercian abbeys are supported by agriculture and the brewing of ale. However, education and academic pursuits have come to dominate the life of Cistercian monasteries. In 17th century France, a reform movement seeking to revert to a simpler lifestyle led to the development of the independent Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, commonly called Trappists, in 1892. For the purpose of categorization, we will list Trappists in a category of its own. When the Trappists split from the Cistercians, the remaining Cistercian abbeys supporting themselves through agriculture became known as the Cistercians of the Original Observance. The Cistercians were themselves founded by a group of Benedictine monks who wished to follow the Rule of Saint Benedict more closely. There has always been a large number of Cistercian nuns, the first community founded in 1125. By the 12th century, the Order had spread through France and into England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Eastern Europe. The key to Cistercian life was a return to the literal observance of the Rule of Saint Benedict. The Order was greatly reduced in England by the Protestant Reformation and the forced dissolution of the monasteries under King Henry VII, by the French Revolution in Europe, and by other revolutions of 18th century, but some survived, and the Order recovered during the 19th century. Anglican Cistercians will, of course, be listed within the Anglican category.
Recommended Resources
Benedictine Index: The Cistercians
The Cistercians were a reform of the Order of Saint Benedict, brought about through Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, and has survived in two major autonomous branches. From the Benedictine perspective, an introduction to Cistercian history is presented, including major figures, a glossary of terms, an information about the Cistercians of the Common Observance and the Cistercians of the Strict Observance, also known as the Trappists.
http://www.osb.org/cist/
The Cistercian Monastery is part of Our Lady of Dallas, in the Diocese of Dallas, of the Cistercian Order. They are a community of monks, priests and teachers, housed in an abbey on about eighty acres near Lake Carolyn in Las Colinas, a section of Irving. Texas. General information about the Cistercian Order and Our Lady of Dallas is presented, with an overview of its liturgy, vocations, and art. A member directory is included.
https://www.cistercian.org/
Cistercian Order and Province of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary
The CSJM is an Order and Province that adheres to the Catholic-Benedictine-Cistercian traditions, and considers itself to be Catholic but not in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. Its religious communities, community-based parishes, and seminary are highlighted, along with its Chamber of Bishops, an overview of its liturgy, and its ordination policies and procedures.
http://www.cisterciansjm.org/
Cistercians are men and women who follow Saint Benedict's Rule for Monks and the Constitutions of Cîteaux. Since 1968, Cistercian Publications has been publishing books on monastic history and spirituality, as far back as the Desert Fathers, and forward to the 21st century laypeople, monks, nuns and priests. Its titles can be browsed by subject, series or collection, new titles are highlighted, and purchases may be made through the site.
https://cistercianpublications.org/
Headquartered in Rome, the Cistercian Order’s General House are introduced, with contact information, as well as the Synod of the Order, the Abbot General’s Council, Procurator General, and General Postulator, as well as statistics about the Order, a list of its monasteries, and other facilities and programs. The Abbot’s homilies, letters, chapters, and conference are featured, and news and announcements are posted to the site.
http://www.ocist.org/
