The Cistercian Order

     The Cistercian Order dates back to the Abbey of Citeaux, near Dijon France, which was founded in 1098 AD by monks who willed to live the Rule of St. Benedict in more poverty, seclusion, and strictness than was customary where they were. The vocation of St. Bernard, and the foundation of his Abbey of Clairvaux in 1115 AD started an enormous expansion of the Cistercian Order throughout Europe.

     The name "Trappist" comes from the Cistercian Abbey of LaTrappe in Normandy, France, reformed in the late 17th century. When the French Revolution suppressed all the religious houses in the year 1790, the monks of LaTrappe took refuge as a Community in Switzerland. After many hardships and wanderings they eventually returned to France in 1815 to reestablish the Abbey and the Congregation of LaTrappe. This Congregation flourished and houses of the Trappists were founded in Europe, the United States and elsewhere, so that at present there are some 100 houses of men and 60 of women throughout the world.