From Reform to Renewal
The Cistercian Order, known for its emphasis on simplicity has a fascinating history. From its origins as a reform movement within Benedictine monasticism to its spread across Europe and its adaptation to modern times, the Cistercian journey is one of faith, resilience, and renewal.
The Situation in Benedictine Monasteries around the turn of the millenium
By the 11th century, many Benedictine monasteries had grown wealthy and influential, which created tension within the monastic communities. The Rule of St. Benedict, which emphasized a communal life financed by the work of the monk's own hands, was often being neglected. Monasteries accumulated vast estates and wealth, and the monastic focus shifted toward land management and political influence. This growing secular involvement disturbed many monks who sought to live out the Benedictine ideals more faithfully.
One of those concerned monks was Robert of Molesme, a Benedictine abbot from the Abbey of Molesme in Burgundy, France. Dissatisfied with the laxity in monastic discipline, Robert and a group of like-minded monks sought to return to a stricter interpretation of the Rule of St. Benedict, which centered on simplicity, manual labor, and a more austere spiritual life. This desire for reform eventually led to the founding of a new monastery at Cîteaux, a small, remote area in Burgundy, in 1098.
The Foundation of Cîteaux and Early Challenges
The monastery of Cîteaux was founded with the intent to live out the Benedictine Rule in its purest form. The name "Cistercian" derives from the Latin word Cistercium, the Roman name for Cîteaux. The early monks, under Robert’s leadership, embraced a life of extreme poverty and manual labor, rejecting the accumulation of wealth and lavish surroundings that had come to characterize many Benedictine monasteries.
However, the community at Cîteaux faced significant hardships. The extreme austerity of their lifestyle, combined with their isolation, led to a lack of new recruits and financial difficulties. For a time, it seemed that the fledgling community might not survive. In 1109, Robert of Molesme was recalled to Molesme by his former community, leaving the future of Cîteaux uncertain.
But Cîteaux’s fortunes changed dramatically with the arrival of St. Bernard of Clairvaux in 1113. Bernard, a charismatic young nobleman, arrived with 30 companions and quickly revitalized the Cistercian community. His leadership and spiritual fervor helped spread the Cistercian way of life, and Bernard himself went on to found the abbey of Clairvaux. Through his influence, the Cistercians grew into a dynamic and expansive movement.
The Charter of Charity and the Beginning of the Cistercian Order
The Cistercian Order as a unified entity began to take shape in 1119, when Pope Callixtus II approved the Charter of Charity (Carta Caritatis). This foundational document, had been written by the early Cistercian leaders, including Stephen Harding, the third abbot of Cîteaux. The document was crucial for defining the governance structure of the Cistercians, which included the General Chapter and the system of visitation. It laid out how all Cistercian abbeys were to be interdependent, with the abbots of mother houses required to visit their daughter houses.
The General Chapter, as formalized by the Charter of Charity, was an annual gathering of all Cistercian abbots to ensure unity, maintain the purity of monastic observance, and make important decisions for the order. This system was one of the key innovations that distinguished the Cistercian Order from other monastic communities and was vital to its rapid expansion across Europe.
The Spread of the Cistercian Order across Europe
Under Bernard’s leadership, Cistercian monasteries began to spread rapidly throughout Europe. By the mid-12th century, hundreds of new Cistercian abbeys were established in France, Germany, England, Spain, and other regions. These monasteries were built in remote areas, emphasizing the monks’ commitment to a life of solitude and manual labor. The distinctive white habits of the Cistercians, symbolizing purity and simplicity, became a recognizable feature across medieval Europe.
The Cistercians introduced a new architectural style to their abbeys—simple, unadorned churches and buildings that reflected their focus on inner spiritual life rather than outward grandeur. They also became renowned for their agricultural innovations, particularly in the development of hydraulic engineering and water management systems, which improved farming productivity. This combination of spiritual and practical focus made Cistercian monasteries centers of both religious and economic life in many regions of Europe.
The Cistercian Nuns
The first female Cistercian monasteries began to emerge in the early 12th century, shortly after the establishment of the male order. Although the Cistercians initially hesitated to accept female communities, the growing desire for monastic life among women could not be ignored. The abbey of Tart, founded in 1125 in France, is traditionally considered the first female Cistercian monastery. Women drawn to the Cistercian way of life embraced the same ideals of poverty, manual labor, and strict adherence to the Rule of St. Benedict. Over time, these monasteries flourished across Europe, with nuns playing a vital role in the spread of Cistercian spirituality. The female branch of the order contributed significantly to the order’s growth and legacy, offering women a structured, contemplative life within the confines of the Cistercian discipline.
Difficulties during Wars and Secularization
Despite their early success, the Cistercians faced significant challenges during periods of war and political upheaval. The Hundred Years’ War (1337–1453), the Wars of Religion (16th century), and the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648) devastated many monastic communities. Monasteries were sacked or abandoned, and the once-flourishing Cistercian network in Europe was greatly weakened. Additionally, the rise of secular governments, particularly during the Reformation and the Enlightenment, led to the suppression and secularization of many monasteries.
In the 18th century, secularization policies in countries like France, Germany, and Austria resulted in the confiscation of monastic lands and the closure of many abbeys. The French Revolution (1789–1799) was especially devastating for monastic communities, as religious orders were dissolved, and their properties were seized by the state. By the end of the 18th century, the once-great Cistercian order had been severely diminished.
A New Structure of Government: The Foundation of Congregations
As mentioned above, when the Cistercian Order was founded, it operated under a unified structure, with a General Chapter held annually at Cîteaux. However, by the late medieval period, this central system began to break down due to various challenges such as political interference, the geographic spread of monasteries, and the weakening of internal discipline.
In the late 16th century, the General Chapter had largely ceased to function effectively, and there was no single Abbot General overseeing the entire order. Instead, regional congregations were established to reform and govern groups of monasteries, as individual abbeys sought to renew their commitment to the Cistercian ideals. These congregations had their own leaders and chapters, providing local oversight and reform.
One of the most significant developments was the formation of the Trappist movement in the 17th century. Named after the abbey of La Trappe in Normandy, this movement emphasized an even stricter observance of the Rule of St. Benedict. The Trappists placed a greater focus on silence, manual labor, and asceticism. In 1892, the Congregation of La Trappe with all monasteries following the reform movement formally separated from the broader Cistercian order to become the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (O.C.S.O.).
This year also marks the re-establishment of a General Chapter and the election of a General Abbot in the Cistercian Order of the Common Observance (O.Cist.) to restore central leadership.
Recent Developments in the 21st Century
The 20th and 21st centuries have seen a revival of interest in monastic spirituality, including the Cistercian way of life. Both branches of the Cistercian order have experienced growth, with new foundations being established around the world, particularly in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The characteristics of Cistercian life have drawn people seeking deeper spiritual meaning in an increasingly fast-paced and materialistic world.
In recent years, Cistercian communities have also been engaged in ecumenical dialogue and have embraced environmental stewardship as a key part of their vocation. Cistercian monasteries are increasingly seen as centers of peace and sustainability, where the balance between prayer, work, and care for creation is lived out in daily practice.
While many challenges remain, such as declining vocations in parts of Europe, the Cistercian order continues to inspire and offer a model of Christian life rooted in simplicity, community, and prayer. In a world that is constantly changing, the Cistercian monks and nuns remain a powerful witness to the enduring values of faith, work, and contemplation.
Conclusion
The history of the Cistercian Order is one of both profound growth and intense struggle. From its beginnings as a reform movement within the Benedictine tradition to its widespread influence across medieval Europe, through war and secularization, the order has continually adapted and renewed itself. Today, the Cistercians continue to embody the ancient monastic values and offer a beacon of contemplative life in a rapidly evolving world.
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