Cistercians

On March 21, 1098, the Benedictine abbot Robert of Molesme led twenty-one of his monks to Citeaux, near Dijon, to establish a new monastery where they hoped to follow Benedict of Nursia's rule for monasteries in all its fullness. The monks of Molesme obtained a papal command for the return of Robert to their monastery. The new community of Citeaux continued until 1109 under the leadership of Alberic, who introduced the idea of lay brothers being accepted as full members of the monastic family. Stephen Harding, who followed Alberic as head of the community, welcomed Bernard of Fontaines (later of Clairvaux) who entered the order in 1112 with thirty of his relatives. Before Bernard died in 1153, he had not only founded the great Abbey of Clairvaux but personally sent forth men to found sixty-five other houses. The order offers a life of poverty, simplicity, and solitude under the guidance of the rule of St. Benedict.

From the description of Cistercensi, 1621(printed copy)-1809. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 145567945