The Cistercian Order, a branch of the Benedictine family, is renowned for its dedication to simplicity, prayer, and manual labor. For those curious about the daily routine of a Cistercian monk, delving into their structured yet contemplative lifestyle provides insight into their spiritual practices and commitment to communal living.
Dawn: The Beginning of the Day
A typical day for a Cistercian monk begins early, often before dawn. Rising to the sound of a bell, monks gather in the chapel for Lauds, the first of several daily communal prayer sessions known as the Liturgy of the Hours. This morning prayer sets the tone for the day, as monks join their voices in psalms, hymns, and readings, offering praise and seeking guidance for the day ahead.
Work and Ora et Labora
Following Lauds, the monks engage in manual labor, a cornerstone of the Cistercian tradition encapsulated in the motto “ora et labora” (pray and work). Each monk contributes to the community through tasks such as farming, gardening, woodworking, bookbinding, or tending to the monastery’s needs. This labor is not merely functional but is seen as a form of worship and a means of sustaining the community’s self-sufficiency.
Mid-Morning: The Hours of Terce and Chapter
Around mid-morning, the community gathers again for Terce, a short prayer marking the third hour of the day. This brief pause in the day’s work serves as a reminder of the monks’ commitment to prayerful living amidst their tasks. Following Terce, the monks convene for Chapter, a meeting where daily matters are discussed, community announcements are made, and spiritual readings or teachings are shared by the abbot.
The Day’s Work and Silence
Throughout the day, a profound sense of silence permeates the monastery. Silence is not merely the absence of noise but a deliberate practice that fosters inner reflection, mindfulness, and spiritual growth. Monks may engage in solitary tasks or work alongside each other in companionable silence, deepening their connection to God and their community through shared contemplation and dedication to their work.
Noon: The Main Meal and Sext
At midday, the monks gather for the main meal of the day, often taken in silence except for readings or reflections shared by the reader. This communal meal reinforces the bonds of brotherhood and provides sustenance for the physical and spiritual journey. Following the meal, Sext, the sixth hour prayer, is observed, offering another moment of communal worship and reflection before returning to their tasks.
Afternoon: Private Prayer and Manual Labor
The afternoon continues with a balance of private prayer, manual labor, and personal reflection. Monks may return to their assigned tasks in the fields, gardens, workshops, or libraries, engaging in their work with a spirit of mindfulness and devotion. This time also allows for personal prayer and spiritual reading, nurturing their individual relationship with God amidst the communal rhythm of the monastery.
Evening: Vespers and Compline
As the day draws to a close, the community gathers once more for Vespers, the evening prayer service celebrated as the sun sets. This solemn yet joyful liturgy marks the transition from day to night, offering thanksgiving for the day’s blessings and seeking peace for the night ahead. Following Vespers, Compline, the final prayer of the day, is observed in a spirit of humility and surrender, entrusting the night to God’s care and protection.
Night: Vigil and Rest
After Compline, monks may observe a period of Vigil, a time for silent prayer, meditation, or spiritual reading before retiring to their individual cells for rest. The monastery settles into a peaceful silence as monks prepare for a night of restorative sleep, rejuvenating their bodies and spirits for the challenges and blessings of the day to come.
Embracing the Cistercian Way of Life
A day in the life of a Cistercian monk embodies a harmonious balance of prayer, work, and communal living, guided by principles of simplicity, silence, and spiritual discipline. Through their dedication to ora et labora, Cistercian monks uphold a centuries-old tradition of seeking God in all things, cultivating a life of peace, humility, and service within the monastery walls and beyond. For those intrigued by the Cistercian way of life, experiencing their daily rhythm offers a profound glimpse into a timeless spiritual journey shaped by faith, contemplation, and enduring devotion.