Stages of Formation

Having expressed an interest in our Cistercian, monastic way of life, a period of time (at least a week) is passed within the community. Later, when an individual does decide to enter he is known as a postulant. The postulant spends up to six months getting to know about the life and preparing to receive the habit. When he receives the habit he becomes a novice and formally begins his novitiate. The two years of the novitiate are devoted to spiritual formation.

At the end of his two years’ novitiate the novice makes simple profession; that is, he takes vows for three years and receives the leather belt and black scapular. He is now simply professed. In these years, spiritual formation is continued. There is also formal study and training in one or several of the many skills found within the monastery.

Solemn profession (perpetual vows) is made five years from the beginning of the novitiate. The monk is now solemnly professed and a full member of the community.

Those who are also called to the priesthood follow their clerical studies within the monastery. The studies may be supplemented by extra-mural courses and visiting professors. He takes vows for 3 years and receives the belt and black scapular.

Further Reading

If you are looking for further reading on life in a Cistercian monastery, we recommend the following three titles, all of which are written by Cistercian monks and available at most Cistercian Abbeys.

• Why Monasteries? Cistercian monks and nuns answer questions that may be posed by a visit to a monastery.
• Aspects of the Monastic Calling by Matthew Kelty.
• The Cistercian Alternative by André Louf (published in the United States as: The Cistercian Way).

Finally, if you have any further questions or inquiries contact the Abbot

After so many years I am convinced that the vitality of a monastic community is gauged neither by the quality of it’s liturgy, nor it’s apparent radiation nor it’s recruitment, but by the measure of the quality of reconciliation between the brothers. What god has in his heart must pass into ours, that is mercy. We need to gaze long at Jesus Christ, ‘the one on whom our faith depends from start to finish’(Heb. 12,2) , the author of our love too, who brings both to perfection. (French Cistercian)