A Path of Simplicity, Service, and Seeking God
Simplicity: A Way of Living and Being
Cistercian life is marked by simplicity, which permeates every aspect of our existence — from lifestyle to architecture and even music. We live with few possessions, valuing what is essential and finding beauty in the plain and humble. Our monasteries are designed to reflect this simplicity, with clean lines, minimal decoration, and natural materials that encourage focus on the divine. The music in our liturgical celebrations, often Gregorian chant, is simple and austere, aiming to lift the soul to God without distraction. This simplicity allows us to create an environment where the sacred can be felt in the quiet of daily life.
The Rule of St. Benedict: A Guide for Daily Living
The foundation of Cistercian life is the Rule of St. Benedict, a 6th-century guide for monastic living that emphasizes balance, humility, and community. St. Benedict called his monastery "a school for the service of God," where monks and nuns learn to grow in virtue through a structured rhythm of prayer, work, and spiritual reading. The rule is not rigid but offers a flexible framework that helps us navigate the challenges of daily life, fostering a spirit of mutual support, obedience, and love among the community members.
Liturgical Prayer: The Heartbeat of Monastic Life
At the center of Cistercian life is liturgical prayer, which forms the heartbeat of our community. Several times a day, we gather in the church to chant the Psalms and offer our praise to God, following the ancient tradition of the Divine Office. These moments of communal prayer, known as the Opus Dei, structure our days and nights, anchoring us in a rhythm of worship. Through this prayer, we unite our hearts with God and with the whole Church, lifting the concerns of the world to the divine with simplicity and trust.
Work: A Sacred Offering
In Cistercian life, work is seen not as a mere necessity, but as a sacred offering to God. Whether tending to gardens, preparing meals, or maintaining the monastery grounds, we approach each task with mindfulness and care. St. Benedict taught that "Idleness is the enemy of the soul," and so we strive to integrate work into our daily rhythm, allowing it to be a form of prayer. Through work, we engage with the world in a way that honors creation and fosters humility, recognizing the value of manual labor and the dignity it brings.
Seeking God: The Core of Our Vocation
The core of Cistercian life is the relentless pursuit of God. Every aspect of our daily routine — from prayer and work to silence and study — is oriented toward this goal. We strive to live with our hearts open, attentive to God’s presence in every moment. The silence we maintain, both internal and external, is not an absence but a space where we listen for the voice of God, deepening our relationship with Him. In this continuous seeking, we hope to draw closer to the mystery of God's love.
The Importance of Friendship with Jesus
Friendship with Jesus is central to our spiritual journey. For Cistercians, Jesus is not only our Lord and Savior but also our closest friend and companion. We cultivate this relationship through personal prayer, meditation on the Scriptures, and by sharing in His suffering and joy. This friendship transforms our lives, filling us with His peace and guiding us in every decision. It is in the intimacy of this relationship that we find the strength and courage to live our vocation fully.
Community Life: A School of Love
Community life is essential to the Cistercian path. We live in close fellowship with our brothers or sisters, learning to love one another as Christ loves us. In this "school of charity," we practice patience, forgiveness, and humility, supporting each other on our spiritual journeys. The community becomes a microcosm of the wider Church, where each member contributes to the whole and finds strength in shared prayer, work, and daily living.
Hospitality: Welcoming Christ in the Stranger
Hospitality is another key aspect of Cistercian life. St. Benedict taught us to receive guests as Christ Himself, and so we open our doors to those who seek rest, refuge, or spiritual renewal. Through simple acts of kindness and a spirit of generosity, we offer a place of peace and welcome to all who visit. This practice not only honors God but also deepens our own understanding of love and compassion.
Living in Harmony with Creation
Cistercian life also embraces a profound respect for creation. Following the teachings of St. Benedict, we strive to live in harmony with the natural world, recognizing it as a reflection of God's beauty and goodness. Our work in the fields, gardens, and forests is a form of stewardship, an act of reverence for the earth that sustains us. Through this connection with creation, we learn to appreciate the rhythms of life and deepen our gratitude for God's gifts.
A Journey of Transformation
Ultimately, Cistercian life is a journey of transformation, where we seek to be molded into the likeness of Christ. Through simplicity, humility, prayer, work, and community, we strive to grow in holiness, trusting that each step brings us closer to God. It is a path that requires courage and perseverance, but one that offers profound peace and joy in the discovery of God’s presence in all things. In this journey, we find not only ourselves but the boundless love of the God we seek.
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