Who are the Trappists?
Trappists is the more familiar name of the Order of Cistercians of Strict Observance (OCSO). The Roman Catholic Trappists OCSO began in 1664 at the Abbey of Notre Dame de la Grande Trappe in Normandy, France. The monks are known as Trappists, while the nuns are known as Trappistines. The Rule of St. Benedict guides the values of the Trappists and Trappistines. The sixth century Rule of St. Benedict was written by the Benedict of Nursia and is based on pax, or peace, and labora, or work and prayer. The Trappists and Trappistines believe that a service to Christ means a simple, hard working lifestyle away from the mainstream population. Monastic communities are usually small and have only about 25 people in each community. Over 2,500 Trappists and 1,800 Trappestines belong to the OCSO. Trappists and Trappistines spend most of their time praying, meditating, reading Scriptures and working in community service. Trappists and Trappistines devote their lives to God. Peaceful silence and thou
Favorite Thing: The Trappists are a Cistercian order of monks. Unlike the Norbertines*, some of whose abbeys I describe elsewhere, this order tries to stay away from the rest of society as much as possible. Until the 1960’s these monks didn’t even speak! Their wish for seclusion still means that you won’t see many monks, except for a guide maybe, or a monk having relatives for a visit. You are not allowed to enter any part of the abbey, except for the public parts. Respect this. *Norbertines are priests and always served the community. Trappists are monks who lead a life of strict rules of prayer and labour.
The Trappists are a Cistercian order of monks. Unlike the Norbertines*, some of whose abbeys I describe elsewhere, this order tries to stay away from the rest of society as much as possible. Until the 1960’s these monks didn’t even speak! Their wish for seclusion still means that you won’t see many monks, except for a guide maybe, or a monk having relatives for a visit. You are not allowed to enter any part of the abbey, except for the public parts. Respect this. *Norbertines are priests and always served the community. Trappists are monks who lead a life of strict rules of prayer and labour.
