page_title: Bernardine Cistercians of Esquermes
section_title: Cistercian Spirituality and Vows
hierarchical_section_title: Bernardine Cistercians of Esquermes / Spirituality / Cistercian Spirituality and Vows
caption_attribution_description: English: Hyning Community
context_page_description: The Bernardine Cistercians of Esquermes are a small branch of the Cistercian Order. They follow the Rule of St Benedict, and co-operate with the apostolic mission of the Church through educational activities and hospitality. There are eight monasteries of nuns in six countries, united by a central Government.
context_section_description: Bernardine Cistercians follow Christ according to the Gospel, guided by the Rule of St Benedict. Written in the sixth century, the Rule sets out a way of seeking God in community, through a life of prayer and service of others. The Opus Dei or Divine Office is central to the day. Cistercians seek God together, having all things in common, living in simplicity, in relative silence and solitude. Hospitality is a key Benedictine value; those who arrive at the monastery to share in the prayer and peace are never turned away. 
  The writings of the Cistercian Fathers and Mothers, particularly those of the 12th and 13th century including St Bernard and St Aelred transmit the values of the founding Cistercians and continue to be a source of spiritual riches for the Bernardines today.
  Bernardines Cistercians make the three traditional Benedictine vows : STABILITY – a commitment to live where God calls, rooted in the Gospel; OBEDIENCE – accepting to listen to the voice of God and others and to be under the authority of a Prioress, and mutual obedience to the  others in the community; CONVERSION OF LIFE – the turning of one’s whole life to God, striving to become more Christ-like. Included in this are consecrated chastity and poverty.
  The Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, has an important role in the spirituality of the Order. Contemplation of the Virgin Mary in the light of scripture leads to contemplation of the mysteries of Christ. All Bernardine monasteries are dedicated to Our Lady.
caption: Hyning Community
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