In the case of a foundation of nuns, an Abbot of the Order, with the consent of his conventual chapter, should have accepted to assume the paternity of the foundation when it will accede to autonomy. Until that time the Father Immediate of the founding house acts as the Father Immediate of the foundation. Both Chapters ratifie this choice. Thus the community assumes before the Order and the Church the responsibility of setting up a new Cistercian Community. The community commits itself to give spiritual and material support so that the new foundation might develop into full autonomy.
Special care is taken to send qualified personnel.
The foundation can be recognized as such only after the approval of the General Chapter. For serious reasons, this approbation can be asked from the Abbot General who can give it with the consent of his council. In the case of the nuns, consultation with the Abbesses members of the Central Commission will be made. In every case, the request is accompanied with a succinct report on the foundation. Following a tradition as old as the Order itself, all houses are founded under the name and patronage of the Virgin Mary, Queen of heaven and earth.