The Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (Ordo Cisterciensis Strictioris Observantiae) are more commonly known as the Trappists or Trappistines. The O.C.S.O. is a Roman Catholic religious Order of cloistered contemplative monastics who follow the Rule of Saint Benedict. The Order takes its common name from La Trappe Abbey, where a reform movement began in 1664, as a reaction to the relaxation of practices in many Cistercian monasteries, and broke away from the Cistercian Order in 1892 to form an independent monastic Order, with the approval of the pope. The Order is guided by the Rule of Benedict, and strict observance refers to the goal of the Trappists to follow the Rule closely, particularly the vows of stability, fidelity to monastic life, and obedience. Although they do not take a vow of silence, Trappist monks generally speak only when necessary, discouraging idle conversation, a tradition gleaned from Saint Benedict, who believed that speech disturbs quietude and receptivity, and tempts people to exercise their own will rather than the will of God. Speech that leads to unkind amusement or laughter is viewed as evil. The Trappists employ a form of sign language that is distinct from other forms of monastic sign language. The Trappists abstain from eating meat and, although they will ocassionally eat fish, their diet consists mostly of vegetables, beans and grain products. As compared to the Benedictines, the Trappists hold to a simplet diet, use simpler vestments and vestments, and do not use stained glass or other ornamentation in their churches. They emphasize manual labor, and also tend to have fewer interactions with people outside of their communities. Most Trappist monasteries produce goods that are sold to provide income for the monastery. These goods might range from various types of cheeses, bread and other foods, and even coffins, although they are most famous for their beers, which are said to improve with age.
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The Kentucky Abbey is a monastery in the Order of the Cistercians of the Strict Observance, where Trappist monks lead lives of prayer, work and sacred reading. A profile of the community is put forth, with information about its community life, daily schedules, and information about day visits, retreats, holidays, and vocations. Monk’s pages include poetry, photographs and reflections.
http://www.monks.org/
Becoming a Trappist Monk or Nun
The Cistercians of the Strict Observance are a religious Order of the Roman Catholic Church, also known as Trappists or Trappistines. This site offers an introduction to the Order that includes a newcomer’s guide, information about becoming a Cistercian monk or nun, the vows that they take, vocation stories, links to its monasteries, and an overview of daily life of a Trappist monk or nun. Visitors are invited to ask questions, and frequently asked questions are posted to the site.
http://www.trappists.org/
Lay Cistercians of Gethsemani Abbey
The lay Catholic community is made up of eight local communities who maintain devotion to the Rule of Saint Benedict and the charism of the Cistercian Order, living in the tradition of the Trappist monks. Local communities are defined, including the Order’s officers, trustees, and committees, finances, and publications. The lay Cistercian way is discussed, and its formation procedures are explained.
https://laycisterciansofgethsemani.org/
In 1944, twenty-one Trappist monks left Gethsameni Abbey in Kentucky and founded the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in rural Georgia. Early monasticism, the birth of the Cistercians, their historical background, the Abbey Church, and the establishment of the monastery in Georgia are reviewed, and an overview of its monks community and lay community are put forth, and its bakery, stained glass business, and online store are featured.
http://www.trappist.net/
Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance
Also known as Trappists, the O.C.S.O. is a Roman Catholic contemplative Religious Order that consists of monasteries of monks and monasteries of nuns. Part of the larger Cistercian family, which traces its roots to 1098, the Trappists follow the Rule of Saint Benedict and are part of the Benedictine Order as well. Their identify, structure, monasteries, formation and history are told, and a schedule of events is included.
http://www.ocso.org/
Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey
A contemplative community who follows the Rule of Saint Benedict, Mississippi Abbey is a community of women in Iowa who belong to the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance. A history of the Order and the monastery in Iowa are given, with an overview of their way of life, information about becoming a nun with the Order, photographs, video, and contact information. Reading suggestions and chapter talks are included.
https://www.mississippiabbey.org/
Belonging to the worldwide Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance, also known as the Trappists, the abbey is a community of Cistercian monks in the Yarra Valley, northeast of Melbourne, Australia. Founded in 1954, its history is related, departed brethren are remembered, and life at the abbey is discussed. Its retreat facilities are posted, along with its vocations and lay group. News is published to the site.
http://www.cistercian.org.au/
