Cisterciënzers

The Cistercians are a religious order of monks and nuns who follow the Rule of Saint Benedict. The order traces its origins to the founding of the Abbey of Cîteaux in Burgundy, France, in 1098 by a group of Benedictine monks seeking a stricter observance of the monastic life. They emphasized manual labor, poverty, and a return to the original ideals of Saint Benedict, stripping away perceived corruptions that had crept into older monastic communities.

The order grew rapidly in the 12th century, establishing numerous daughter houses throughout Europe. These monasteries, known for their austere architecture and dedication to prayer and work, played a significant role in medieval European society, contributing to agricultural development, manuscript illumination, and the spread of Christianity. Key figures in the early Cistercian movement include Saint Stephen Harding, the third abbot of Cîteaux, and Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, a prolific writer and influential preacher.

Over time, the order experienced periods of reform and reformations, seeking to maintain its founding principles amidst changing societal contexts. While the number of Cistercian monasteries has fluctuated throughout history, the order continues to exist today, with communities of monks and nuns dedicated to a contemplative life. Cistercian spirituality is characterized by its emphasis on silence, solitude, prayer, and the integration of spiritual and manual work, often referred to as "ora et labora" (pray and work).