MYSTERIA ECCLESIAE — The order of Cistercians
The Cistercian Order was founded in 1098 by Saint Robert of Molesme. Robert was originally a member and even abbot of the Benedictine Order, but due to dissatisfaction with conditions in the order, he left with 21 other monks and together they founded a new monastery called Cîteaux in an abandoned valley in a place called Cistercium. In the new monastery, the monks wanted to return to a more ascetic life according to St. Benedict's motto "Ora et labora!" - Pray and work!, which the Benedictines had gradually abandoned. In 1100, Robert had to return to the monastery in Molesme, and Alberich, one of the first monks who accompanied Robert, became the new abbot. During his tenure, the monks from that monastery became independent and adopted a name derived from the place where the monastery was founded - Cistercians. Abbot Alberich wrote the rules of the order. The order was not allowed to accept church fees. In addition to the lay brothers, the monks themselves also had to work. A new black and white habit was also introduced. The third abbot, Stephen Harding of England, also contributed to the establishment of the order. Cistercian monasteries were often founded in remote areas so that the monks would not come into contact with other people. At the same time, there was uncultivated land around the new monasteries, which the monks themselves gradually cultivated. In this way, they colonized the previously uninhabited areas of Western and Central Europe. Cistercian monasteries quickly grew rich thanks to numerous donations from the nobility and lay people. As a result, the Cistercians began to stray from their original ideals of poverty and simplicity. In the 14th century, their influence declined as mendicant orders took over.
TRIVIA
— Besides their role in founding monasteries across Europe, the Cistercians also developed a distinct identity that set them apart from other monastic orders — primarily Benedictines. Their early constitution, the Carta Caritatis (Charter of Charity) emphasized simplicity, manual labour, and prayer. The monks abandoned the traditional black Benedictine habit in favour of white or grey robes, a symbol of their reformist ideals.
One of the most important figures in the order's history was Bernard of Clairvaux, who entered the monastery of Cîteaux in 1113 together with 35 relatives and friends. His influence helped transform the Cistercians into one of the most successful religious movements of the Middle Ages. Bernard also strongly opposed elaborate decoration in churches and manuscripts, arguing that fantastical beasts, carvings and paintings distracted monks from prayer. Under his influence, decoration was gradually restricted and eventually banned altogether within the order for a period of time.
Despite their reputation for simplicity, the Cistercians were often innovators in industry. In Burgundy they helped develop new methods of viticulture and created the earliest recorded system of dividing vineyards according to the qualities of individual plots. They also invented their own numeral system in the early 13th century, capable of representing any number from 1 to 9,999 with a single symbol.
The order spread rapidly across Europe. One of its most remarkable foundations was Rein Abbey in Styria, established in 1129. It remains the oldest surviving Cistercian monastery in the world.
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