Solemnity of the Founders of the Cistercian Order

“This place (Citeaux), situated in the episcopate of Chalon, and rarely approached by men back in those days because of the thickness of grove and thorn bush, was inhabited only by wild beasts” (Exordium Parvum #3). Saints Robert, Alberic, Stephen, and their twenty-one companions took their monastic experiment to a place no man had gone before. Having journeyed to this rugged solitude, they endeavored to live the simplicity of the Rule of Saint Benedict more radically. They departed from Molesme to build a “new monastery” where they could live in voluntary poverty, serve the Lord in gladness, and support one another by the work of their hands. Having withdrawn themselves from worldly affairs, they established an authentic way of living the monastic life that safeguarded the balance of prayer, work, and lectio.

We celebrate the legacy of these heroic visionaries who responded to God’s invitation. The prophet Hosea said it nicely. “I am going to allure her. I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her heart” (Hos. 2:14). We are the beneficiaries of that spiritual encounter. Knowing themselves to be drawn to the heart of Christ, the relationship among the members of the community was grounded in brotherly love and humility. Pondering God’s word, they strove to put it into practice. “[God] has shown you what is good. This is what he requires of you: do what is right. Love mercy and kindness. Walk humbly with your God” (Mic. 6:8). “Let justice run down like a river, righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Am. 5:24). Our focus is not on their achievements, but on their commitment to authentic monastic life. This is the patrimony that has been handed on to us.

“Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1). Nothing stopped our founders from pursuing their vision. Monks and nuns continue to be inspired by that vision. We honor our founders’ courage in adversity and their singlemindedness in seeking God alone. These holy men, who preferred nothing to the love of God have left us a rich heritage of monastic observance. We recall our monastic forebearers with gratitude, because of their tenacity in the face of adversity that made our presence here today possible. Their intensity of devotion transformed a wild wilderness into a claustral paradise and molded a group of like-minded people into a monastic church.

Compelled by the love of Christ (CF. 2 Cor. 5:14), they abandoned the comfort and familiarity of Molesme. They had no riches nor any defenses against adverse powers. Their rampart and shield was God and his merciful providence. Their standard was the Rule of Saint Benedict which they desired to live authentically. Preferring nothing to the love of God, they sought to hear God’s call, to follow wherever it led them, and to do whatever it demanded of them. Poor in the things of this world they were rich in the love of God. Strangers to the world they stood firm as lovers of the Rule, of the place, and of each other. As students in the school of charity, they were conformed to him who reformed what was deformed in them, strengthened what was weak in them, and enlightened their darkness.

By seeking a place separated from secular society, our founders hoped to find the necessary freedom to live the monastic life more authentically. They set out to encounter the Living God in humility, obedience, and holy zeal. Unencumbered by worldly possessions, they endeavored to run on the way of God’s commandments with their hearts expanded by the unspeakable sweetness of love until they reached their true homeland.  Preferring nothing to the love of God, they sought to build a community wherein all would be conformed to Christ. They were convinced that God would only choose to dwell in hearts that were poor enough, weak enough, and humble enough to yield to His vision. The most valuable gift we can give the Lord is found at the core of our being.

“In the Bleak Midwinter”

What can I give him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb;
If I were a wise man
I would do my part;
Yet what I can, I give him –
Give my heart.

(Christina Rossetti)