Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance (Trappists)
Constitutions and Statutes
of the Nuns
Constituciones en español (m) y (f)
Constitutiones lingua latina redactae (f)
Constitutiones lingua latina redactae (m)The text of the Constitutions and Statutes given here was approved by the Holy See in 1990. The modifications approved by subsequent General Chapters (1993, 1996, 1999 and 2002) and, if necessary, by the Holy See have been incorporated. The changes of 2002 are in cursive letters.
TABLE OF CONSTITUTIONS
(with links to each section)
PREFACE
Part I: THE CISTERCIAN PATRIMONY
C. 1 The Tradition of the O.C.S.O.
C. 2 The Nature and Purpose of the Order
C. 3 The Spirit of the Order
C. 4 The Character of the OrderPart II: THE MONASTERY: HOUSEHOLD OF GOD
C. 5 The Local Community
C. 6 Composition of the Community
Chapter 1: The Cistercian Way of Life
C. 7 Regular Observance
C. 8 Monastic Consecration
C. 9 Stability of Place
C. 10 Conversatio Morum
C. 11 Obedience
C. 12 Monastic Clothing
C. 13 Cenobitic Life
C. 14 Unity and Pluriformity in the Community
C. 15 Reconciliation with God and the Sisters
C. 16 Active Participation of the Sisters
C. 17 Liturgical Life
C. 18 Celebration of the Eucharist
C. 19 The Work of God
C. 20 Mindfulness of God
C. 21 Lectio Divina
C. 22 Heartfelt Prayer
C. 23 Night Vigils
C. 24 Silence
C. 25 Monastic Asceticism
C. 26 Work
C. 27 Simplicity
C. 28 Fasting
C. 29 Separation from the World
C. 30 Reception of Guests
C. 31 Apostolate of Nuns
C. 32 Relationship with the Church HierarchyChapter 2: The Service of Authority
C. 33 The Ministry of the Abbess
C. 34 The Abbess's Power of Governance
C. 35 Sisters in Charge of Offices
C. 36 Consulting the Sisters
C. 37 Conventual Chapter
C. 38 The Abbess’s Council
C. 39 The Election of an Abbess
C. 40 Resignation from Office
Chapter 3: CHAPTER_THREE:_Temporal_Administration_
C. 41 Temporal Goods of the Monastery
C. 42 Juridical Status
C. 43 Ordinary Administration
C. 44 Extraordinary Administration
Chapter 4: Monastic Formation
C. 45 The Process of Formation
C. 46 Admission of Sisters
C. 47 The Master of Novices
C. 48 Admission to the Novitiate
C. 49 Formation of Novices
C. 50 Duration of the Novitiate
C. 51 Admission to Temporary Profession
C. 52 Temporary Profession
C. 53 Formation of the Temporarily Professed
C. 54 Admission to Solemn Profession
C. 55 Renunciation of Goods
C. 56 Solemn Profession
C. 57 Formula of Profession
C. 58 Continuing FormationChapter 5: Separation from the Community
and Suppression of a Monastery
C. 59 Pastoral Solicitude
C. 60 Transfer to another Monastery
C. 61 Transfer to another Institute
C. 62 Exclaustration
C. 63 Departure of the Temporarily Professed
C. 64 Departure of the Solemnly Professed
C. 65 Dismissal
C. 66 Readmission to the Monastery
C. 67 Suppression of a MonasteryChapter 6: Foundations
C. 68 Foundations
C. 69 Care of Foundations
C. 70 Adaptation to Local CulturePart III: THE O.C.S.O.
C. 71 The Bond of Unity
C. 72 Cistercian Monks and Nuns S.O.Chapter 1: Filiation
C. 73 The Character of Filiation
C. 74 The Father Immediate
C. 75 Regular Visitation
C. 76 The Chaplain of NunsChapter 2: Assemblies of Superiors
C. 77 The General Chapter of Abbesses
C. 78 Those Taking Part in the General Chapter
C. 79 The Competence of the General Chapter
C. 80 The central Commission of Abbesses
C. 81 Regional ConferencesChapter 3: The Office of Abbot General
C. 82 The Abbot General
C. 83 The Election of the Abbot General
C. 84 The Council of the Abbot General
C. 85 The Abbot of Cîteaux
C. 86 In the Joy of the Holy Spirit
1
The holy abbots Robert of Molesme, Alberic and Stephen Harding gave the Benedictine tradition a particular form when in 1098 they built the New Monastery of Cîteaux, the Mother of us all, and founded the Cistercian Order. About 1125, Saint Stephen established the nuns' monastery of "Tart" as Cîteaux's own daughter-house, entrusted to the pastoral care of the abbot of this monastery. The Exordium Parvum and The Charter of Charity express the vocation and mission that the founders received from God which the Church has authoritatively approved both in their times and in ours. Under the influence of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux and others the ideal of this reform spread and monasteries of monks and nuns following the Cistercian way of life multiplied even beyond western Europe. From the very beginning the Order received lay brothers and lay sisters. A substantial spiritual heritage was engendered through the lives and labours of innumerable brothers and sisters that found expression in writing, chant, architecture and crafts, and in the skilful management of their lands.2
Monks and nuns of the Order acknowledge their indebtedness to the movement that is called the "Strict Observance", which strongly defended certain aspects of the Cistercian patrimony in troubled times and, through the labours of Abbot de Rancé and the initiatives of Dom Augustine de Lestrange, made it possible for these values to be handed on to succeeding generations. In 1892, the three congregations that arose from la Valsainte formed a union that became an autonomous order, the Order of Reformed Cistercians of Our Lady of La Trappe, now named the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance.3
The desire for an authentic monastic life acting in different ways through the centuries continues to inspire the monks and nuns of the Order to work hard to renew their way of life. In obedience to the principles of the Second Vatican Council they strive to come to a deeper understanding of their origins and at the same time show themselves docile to God's action in the present. In 1969 the General Chapter, by its Declaration on Cistercian Life and Statute on Unity and Pluralism, reaffirmed the Order's commitment to the Rule of Saint Benedict as its traditional interpretation of the Gospel and gave guidelines for the faithful observance of this Rule in the changed conditions of the world. In these documents the General Chapter made a distinction between the orientation and fundamental observances of the Rule, which constitute the Cistercian way of life, and those details that can be modified according to local circumstances.4
This collection of Constitutions and Statutes is the fruit of the experience of those years of renewal. It is to be hoped that they will be an effective means of helping the Order to embody the spirit of the Second Vatican Council and show itself ever more able to carry out its particular function in the Church and in the world.
Part One
C. 1 The Tradition of the Cistercian Order of the Strict ObservanceThe Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance has its origin in that monastic tradition of evangelical life that found expression in the Rule for Monasteries of Saint Benedict of Nursia. The founders of Cîteaux gave this tradition a particular form and the monasteries of the Strict Observance strongly defended certain of its principles. In 1892 the three congregations of the Strict Observance combined to form a single order, now called the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance.
C. 2 The Nature and Purpose of the OrderThis Order is a monastic institute wholly ordered to contemplation. The nuns dedicate themselves to the worship of God in a hidden life within the monastery under the Rule of St Benedict. They lead a monastic way of life in solitude and silence, in assiduous prayer and joyful penitence as defined in these Constitutions, thus rendering to the divine majesty a service that is at once humble and noble.
C. 3 The Spirit of the Order1
The Cistercian way of life is cenobitic. Cistercian nuns seek God and follow Christ under a rule and an abbess in a stable community that is a school of mutual love. Since all the sisters are of one heart and one mind, they have everything in common. By bearing one another's burdens they fulfil Christ's law, participating in his sufferings in the hope of entering the kingdom of heaven.2
The monastery is a school of the Lord's service where Christ is formed in the hearts of the sisters through the liturgy, the abbess's teaching and the fraternal way of life. Through God's Word the nuns are trained in a discipline of heart and action to be responsive to the Holy Spirit and so attain purity of heart and a continual mindfulness of God's presence.3
The nuns follow in the footsteps of those whom, in times past, God called into the desert to engage in spiritual warfare. As citizens of heaven, they become strangers to worldly behaviour. Living in solitude and silence they aspire to that interior quiet in which wisdom is born. They practise self-denial in order to follow Christ. Through humility and obedience they struggle against pride and the rebellion of sin. In simplicity and labour they seek the blessedness promised to the poor. By generous hospitality they share with their fellow-pilgrims the peace and hope which Christ has freely given.4
The monastery is an expression of the mystery of the Church, where nothing is preferred to the praise of the Father's glory. Every effort is made to ensure that the common life in its entirety conforms to the Gospel, which is the supreme law. In this way the community will not be lacking in any spiritual gift. The nuns strive to remain in harmony with all the people of God and share their active desire for the unity of all Christians. By fidelity to their monastic way of life, which has its own hidden mode of apostolic fruitfulness, nuns perform a service for God's people and the whole human race. Each community of the Order and all the nuns are dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother and Symbol of the Church in the order of faith, love and perfect union with Christ.5
The organisation of the monastery is directed to bringing the nuns into close union with Christ, since it is only through the experience of personal love for the Lord Jesus that the specific gifts of the Cistercian vocation can flower. Only if the sisters prefer nothing whatever to Christ will they be happy to persevere in a life that is ordinary, obscure and laborious. And may he lead them all together into eternal life.
C. 4 The Character of the Order1
The communities of the Order spread all over the world are gathered into unity by a bond of charity. Through the union that results from this association they can help one another in coming to a more complete understanding and practice of their common patrimony and they can offer mutual encouragement and support in difficulties.2
This communion assumes juridical form in the government of the Order according to the Charter of Charity as interpreted by the norms of these Constitutions. The abbots and abbesses meeting in two Chapters are active in their common solicitude for all the communities of the Order in matters both human and divine. This pastoral care has been exercised traditionally through the institutions of filiation, visitation and the General Chapter. In addition, other organs of dialogue, collaboration and mutual service have developed, by which communion is fostered in the entire Order and the ideals of the founders are effectively adapted to modern conditions.3
Following the Charter of Charity, Cistercians of the Strict Observance live by one charity, one rule and similar observances. It is for each community, in dialogue with other communities, to find new ways in which the patrimony of the Order can be expressed dynamically in its own culture according to particular circumstances, observing always the norms established by the General Chapter.Part Two
THE MONASTERY: HOUSEHOLD OF GOD
C. 5 The Local Community
Gathered by the call of God the sisters constitute a monastic church or community that is the fundamental unit of the Order.
ST 5.A
a.
The traditional form of the community is to be autonomous as an abbey. To be declared as such, it must fulfil the conditions defined by the Statute on Foundations (n. 15), in such a way that the monastic observance can be lived in its entirety, according to the Rule of Saint Benedict, the Cistercian tradition and the present Constitutions
b.
If these conditions are not fulfilled but the community has the necessary criteria to be autonomous, according to the Statute on Foundations (n. 15) it is a major priory or a simple priory according to the case. The simple priory continues to have the right to assistance from the founding house in both personnel and temporal goods.
c.
A foundation is part of the founding house and is not autonomous. Its superior remains that of the founding house. The conditions for attaining autonomy, like those of moving from a simple priory to the rank of a major priory or from a major priory to that of an abbey, are defined by the Statute on Foundations (cf. n.15
ST 5.B
Unless mentioned otherwise, what is said in the following constitutions regarding the local community is equally valid for an abbey, a major priory, a simple priory, and a foundation.
C. 6 Composition of the Community
The community is composed of sisters who have made profession in it, novices and others who have been admitted into the community on probation, and oblates.
ST 6.A
Among the professed mentioned above are included:
a.
the lay sisters who made their profession before the Decree of Unification in 1965;
b.
extern sisters.ST 6.B
Oblates participate in the life of the community according to the norms of the Statute on Oblates promulgated by the General Chapter, and according to local customs.ST 6.C
Sisters who come from other monasteries of the Order to stay for a long period participate in the life of the community except for what concerns the conventual chapter.ST 6.D
Each community may define, with prudence, before the civil law of its country, its status and its membership.
CHAPTER ONE: The Cistercian Way of Life
C. 7 Regular Observance
In the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance the way of life is consecration to God expressed in union among the sisters, solitude and silence, in prayer, work and a disciplined life. By a hidden apostolic fruitfulness it causes the mystical body of Christ to grow.
C. 8 Monastic ConsecrationBy monastic profession a sister is consecrated to God and joined with the monastic community that receives her. At this time the consecration received in the sacraments of baptism and confirmation is renewed and given vitality. The sister binds herself in faithful stability to a sincere conversion of life through ready obedience until death.
C. 9 Stability of PlaceBy the vow of stability within her community a sister obliges herself to make constant use of the means of the spiritual craft there, trusting in the providence of God who has called her to this place and to this group of sisters.
C. 10 Conversatio MorumBy the vow of conversatio morum or fidelity to monastic life a sister who, in the simplicity of her heart, seeks God by the following of the Gospel, binds herself to the practice of Cistercian discipline. She retains nothing at all for herself, not even authority over her own body. She renounces the capacity of acquiring and possessing goods for herself. For the sake of the Kingdom of heaven, she makes profession of perfect continence and celibacy.
C. 11 ObedienceBy the vow of obedience a sister desiring to live under a rule and an abbess promises to fulfil all that lawful superiors command in accordance with these Constitutions. In thus renouncing her own will she follows the example of Christ who was obedient until death, and commits herself to the school of the Lord's service.
C. 12 Monastic Clothing
The characteristic Cistercian habit is the white cowl. Given at solemn profession it is a sign both of a nun's consecration and of the unity of the whole Order.
ST 12.A
The clothing, which traditionally includes a white robe, a black scapular and veil with a leather belt, can be adapted to local conditions.ST 12.B
Temporarily professed and novices wear a white veil, and a cloak instead of the cowl. The novices' scapular is white.
C. 13 Cenobitic Life1
A nun follows the common life in her monastery. The law of the common life is this: unity of spirit in the charity of God, the bond of peace in the mutual and unbroken love of all the sisters, communion in sharing all goods.ST 13.1.A
The common table both expresses and strengthens the unity of the sisters. For this reason all have their meals together unless they are excused for a reasonable cause.ST 13.1.B
If there are private rooms, their use is determined by the abbess according to local usage. They should not be prejudicial to the common life and always be modest in conformity with Cistercian simplicity. The abbess is permitted to visit them.2
The sisters are to bear their infirmities with great patience and to serve one another humbly. They are to support by prayer and by other appropriate means those who are weak, troubled or unwell. The sick, the aged and the dying are to be surrounded with a care that is attentive and affectionate.ST 13.2.A
The abbess is to be very careful that the sick and the aged are looked after with diligence and love, as if it were Christ himself. If possible the sisters will assemble for the anointing of the sick.3
A nun is not allowed to leave the monastery without the consent of the abbess and the consent of the Father Immediate or the Bishop. When there is question of a prolonged absence the norms promulgated by the Holy See on the enclosure of nuns are followed.4
The abbess, having listened to her council and with the consent of the Father Immediate or Bishop, may permit a sister to lead an eremitical life on the property of the monastery. The hermit sister remains under the authority of the abbess.
C. 14 Unity and Pluriformity of the Community
1
The community forms a single body in Christ. Each sister is to contribute to the upbuilding of relations within the community especially by sharing with others the spiritual gifts she has received by God's manifold grace.2
The equilibrium between the Work of God, prayer, lectio divina and manual work, essential to the Cistercian way of life, is determined according to the character, training and age of each. The abbess is to discern and moderate everything so that each sister may grow in the Cistercian vocation.
C. 15 Reconciliation with God and with the Sisters
1
The preservation of unity among the sisters depends on a sincere and mutual effort towards reconciliation. To eliminate thorns of scandal from the community, the sisters are not to prolong the time of anger but, when there is a dispute, to make peace as soon as possible.ST 15.1.A
In the spirit of the Gospel the sisters are to help one another by humble and discreet correction. The community is to establish suitable means of doing this.2
The sisters are to confess their sins each day in prayer to God and frequently approach the sacrament of reconciliation. The abbess is to facilitate access to the sacrament.ST 15.2.A
The abbess can make provision for a communal celebration of penance as appropriate.
C. 16 Active Participation of the Sisters
1
The sisters have the right and duty to participate fully in the common life, although this participation can be exercised in different ways.2
All the sisters are called to mutual care, mutual co-operation and mutual obedience. All are to be concerned for the spiritual state of the community, knowing that the good zeal of one is a help to all, whereas bitter zeal is a hindrance.3
The abbess is to govern the sisters with reverence for the human person created in God's image, promoting their voluntary obedience and appropriately fostering their gifts of zeal and intelligence. The abbess should lead the sisters so that they cooperate with an active and responsible obedience both in carrying out their duties and in taking the initiative, all the while maintaining her authority to decide and give orders about what is to be done.4
The abbess and the officials are to communicate to the sisters what concerns all and readily accept their desires and suggestions.
C. 17 Liturgical Life1
The spiritual character of the community is especially evident in the celebration of the liturgy. The liturgy strengthens and increases both the inner sense of the monastic vocation and communion among the sisters. Each day in the liturgy God's Word is heard. A sacrifice of praise is offered to God the Father, there is a sharing in the mystery of Christ and the Holy Spirit's work of sanctification is accomplished.ST 17.1.A
The liturgy is celebrated in the rite to which the community belongs. According to the proper spirit of each rite, this is done in conformity with the Cistercian tradition, following the norms approved by the General Chapter and confirmed, where necessary, by the Holy See.2
The changing seasons of the liturgical year have great power to nourish and enrich the contemplative life of the sisters. They provide a solid basis for the preaching and teaching given to the community.3
Sunday is dedicated to the mystery of the Resurrection. It is a day of joy and freedom from work so that the sisters may come together to share the Eucharist more fully and intensely, and zealously apply themselves to lectio divina and prayer.
C. 18 Celebration of the EucharistThe Eucharist is the source and summit of the whole Christian life and of the sisters' communion in Christ. For this reason it is to be celebrated by the whole community every day. It is by sharing in the paschal mystery of the Lord that the sisters are united more closely with one another and with the whole Church.
C. 19 Work of God1
Nothing is to be preferred to the Work of God. Accordingly, the Liturgy of the Hours is to be celebrated by the community which, in union with the Church, fulfils Christ's priestly function offering to God a sacrifice of praise and making intercession for the salvation of the whole world.ST 19.1.A
Because the Work of God is a means of sanctifying the day, [each Hour] is to be celebrated at the time assigned to it, determined according to Cistercian tradition and local custom.2
The Liturgy of the Hours is a school of continual prayer and an outstanding component of the monastic way of life. It is the abbess's duty to promote zeal for the Work of God among the sisters.ST 19.2.A
The celebration is to be such that it expresses the spirit of the community and leads the sisters to full participation.ST 19.2.B
In particular cases the abbess may determine the measure in which an individual nun participates in the Liturgy of the Hours in choir. This is done only after careful examination of the question with the sister herself and having regard to the needs of the community.ST 19.2.C
In exceptional cases the Abbot General may, with the consent of his council, dispense a community from one or two Little Hours.3
A sister who was absent from the choral celebration is to acquit herself of the Hours according to the instructions of the abbess.
C. 20 Mindfulness of GodBy constantly cultivating mindfulness of God, the sisters extend the Work of God throughout the whole day. The abbess is to see to it that each one has ample leisure to give herself to lectio and prayer. Furthermore, all should take care that the monastic environment is favourable to silence and quiet.
ST 20.A
Each year all the sisters are to make a retreat of at least six days.
C. 21 Lectio DivinaCareful lectio divina greatly strengthens the sisters' faith in God. This excellent monastic practice, by which God's Word is heard and pondered, is a source of prayer and a school of contemplation, where the nun speaks heart to heart with God. For this reason, the sisters are to devote a fitting amount of time each day to such reading.
ST 21.A
Tradition greatly values lectio divina done in common. This is especially recommended during Lent.ST 21.B
The scriptorium is the traditional place of lectio divina.
C. 22 Heartfelt PrayerIn a spirit of compunction and intense desire, nuns devote themselves frequently to prayer. While dwelling on earth, their minds are occupied with heavenly things, desiring eternal life with all spiritual longing. May the Blessed Virgin Mary who was taken up into heaven, the life and sweetness and hope of all earthly pilgrims, never be far from their hearts.
ST 22.A
The abbess is to make prudent provision for the time of daily lectio and prayer for the sisters.
C. 23 Night VigilsIn the sober anticipation of the coming of Christ, following the tradition of the Order, the hours before sunrise are appropriately consecrated to God by the celebration of Vigils, by prayer and meditation.
ST 23.A
The sisters' hour of rising is so determined that Vigils maintains its nocturnal character.
C. 24 SilenceSilence is counted among the principal monastic values of the Order. It assures solitude for the nun in community. It fosters mindfulness of God and fraternal communion. It opens the mind to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit and favours attentiveness of heart and solitary prayer to God. Therefore, at all times but especially during the hours of night, the sisters are to be zealous for silence, which is the guardian both of speech and of thought.
ST 24.A
According to the tradition of the Order silence is to be observed especially in the regular places such as the church, the cloisters, the refectory and the scriptorium. There is no recreation in communities of the Order.ST 24.B
Other norms governing the use of speech, particularly in the chapter room and the private rooms, are established by each community and verified at the Regular Visitation.
C. 25 Monastic AsceticismThe quietness of mind cultivated by silence is also the fruit of purity and simplicity of heart. For this reason the nun, in a spirit of joyful penitence, is to embrace willingly those means practised in the Order: work, the hidden life and voluntary poverty, together with vigils and fasting.
C. 26 Work
Work, especially manual work, has always enjoyed special esteem in the Cistercian tradition since it gives the nuns the opportunity of sharing in the divine work of creation and restoration, and of following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. This hard and redeeming work is a means of providing a livelihood for the sisters and for other people, especially the poor. It expresses solidarity with all workers. Moreover work is an occasion for a fruitful asceticism that fosters personal development and maturity. It promotes health of mind and body and contributes greatly to the unity of the whole community.
ST 26.A
The duration of work is to be determined according to the demands of the monastic way of life and local needs. The sisters are to be engaged in work for at least four and usually not more than six hours a day.
C. 27 SimplicityFollowing the example of the Fathers of Cîteaux, who sought an uncomplicated relationship with the God of simplicity, the sisters' lifestyle is to be plain and frugal. Everything in the household of God should be appropriate to monastic life and avoid excess so that its very simplicity can be instructive for all. This is to be clearly apparent in buildings and their furnishings, in food and clothing and even in the celebration of the liturgy.
ST 27.A
The monastery should be conspicuous for its simple and pleasant appearance. The sisters are to be concerned about conservation of the environment and to manage natural resources prudently.
C. 28 Fasting
Monastic fasting expresses the humble condition of a creature before God. It arouses spiritual desire in the heart of a nun and lets her share in Christ's pity for the hungry. The sisters are to observe the Lenten and paschal fasts and also other fasts according to the customs of the Order and the directives of the abbess.
ST 28.A
For the main meal on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday the sisters are to be content with bread and water or something similar.ST 28.B
In accordance with tradition the sisters abstain from meat at all times, except in case of necessity.ST 28.C
If a sister, moved by God's grace, wishes to undertake additional fasting, she is to propose this to her abbess.
C. 29 Separation from the World1
Those who prefer nothing to the love of Christ make themselves strangers to the actions of the world. In the monastic tradition this involves a certain degree of physical separation. For this reason, the monastery is built so that it completely safeguards the quiet and solitude of those who reside there.2
The buildings where the nuns live and work, excluding the portress's area and the guest house, are bound by the laws of strict enclosure. However, the faithful may have access to the church, especially during the public celebration of the liturgy.3
It is for the abbess, with the consent of her council, to fix the limits of strict enclosure.4
Regarding the exits of the sisters and the entry of outsiders into the enclosure, the norms of universal law are followed.5
The application of the norms regarding enclosure are the responsibility of the abbess. All the sisters, however, are to share her concern for observing these norms. For this reason they are to be given a careful formation in this discipline of separation from the world.6
The Father Immediate, according to C. 74-75, or the Ordinary of the Place is to watch over the observance of enclosure, which is to be reviewed during the regular visitation.7
The abbess is to see that the entry of outsiders does not damage the regular life. Sisters are not permitted to initiate contacts with outsiders without the consent of the abbess.8
The norms of universal law are followed in the use of the means of social communication.
C. 30 Reception of GuestsEvery monastery is to continue the tradition of welcoming guests and the needy as Christ according to local circumstances. Let those whom the providence of God has led to the monastery be received by the sisters with reverence and kindness but without allowing this service to impair monastic quiet.
ST 30.A
The community is to render assistance to those who come to the monastery looking for deeper prayer.ST 30.B
In God's providence monasteries are holy places not only for those who are of the household of the faith but for all persons of good will.ST 30.C
It is for the community to make arrangements about the manner in which guests are to take part in the Work of God.ST 30.D
The relatives of the sisters are to be received with the utmost kindness in a way consonant with the monastic vocation.
C. 31 Apostolate of NunsFidelity to the monastic way of life is closely related to zeal for the Kingdom of God and for the salvation of the whole human race. Nuns bear this apostolic concern in their hearts. It is the contemplative life itself that is their way of participating in the mission of Christ and his Church and of being part of the local church. This is why they cannot be called upon to render assistance in the various pastoral ministries or in any external activity, no matter how urgent the needs of the active apostolate.
ST 31.A
When pastoral assistance within the walls of the monastery is sought from the community in particular circumstances the abbess, if she judges it expedient to agree to the request, should entrust this ministry to a sister who is competent and willing to undertake the task.
C. 32 Relationship with the Church HierarchyThe nuns are to foster good relations with their local church and its bishop, to whom they render devoted submission and respect. They are humbly to obey the Sovereign Pontiff, the Vicar of Christ as their supreme Pastor, even by virtue of the vow of obedience.
CHAPTER TWO: The Service of Authority
C. 33 The Ministry of the Abbess1
The abbess is elected from among the sisters. She receives her power from God through the ministry of the Church. She is believed to act in the monastery as Christ's representative. She ministers to the whole community as a mother in both spiritual and temporal matters.2
The abbess exercises pastoral care of the flock entrusted to her. She shows to all the goodness and kindness of Christ, striving to be loved rather than feared. She adapts herself to the character of each, encouraging the sisters to run with a cheerful and happy disposition along the way God has called them. She is to pray constantly to God for each.3
As the teacher in Christ's school, the abbess is the guardian of her disciples' fidelity to monastic tradition. She sustains them with the food of God's Word and by her example. She does not neglect to renew herself with Sacred Scripture and the wisdom of the Fathers. She makes herself available to all the nuns for conversation.ST 33.3.A
On appointed days the abbess is to give a conference to the community and she is to explain the Rule of Saint Benedict frequently.ST 33.3.B
The sisters should approach the abbess with confidence and be able to reveal to her freely and spontaneously the thoughts arising in their hearts. Nevertheless, the abbess should in no way induce them to manifest their consciences to her.4
As a skilled physician, the abbess seeks to cure both her own wounds and those of others, and to bring healing in the name of Christ to those hurt by sin. She is to exercise great solicitude and to use all her skill and energy so as not to lose any of the sisters entrusted to her. When the situation warrants it, she calls on the help of spiritual seniors. Above all, she relies on the prayer of all to cure the infirmities of the sisters.
C. 34 The Abbess's Power of Governance1
The abbess is a major superior according to the norms of law. In the spirit of the Rule of St Benedict she enjoys full power in the monastery in both temporal and spiritual matters.ST 34.1.A
The superior of a monastery that is still part of the mother-house has delegated power. This she may sub-delegate.ST 34.1.B
The superior ad nutum mentioned in ST 39.2.B has proper ordinary power as a major superior of an autonomous community.2
Everything said about an abbess applies equally to the prioress of a priory and to a superior ad nutum unless explicit exception is made.
C. 35 Sisters in Charge of OfficesThe abbess selects suitable assistants for the various offices of the monastery. With the advice of God-fearing sisters she appoints as prioress, mistress of novices, cellarer and the other officials those with whom she can safely share her burdens. The sisters thus chosen are to fulfil their offices cheerfully and worthily, keeping in all things the commandments of God and the instructions of the abbess, so that no one may be disturbed or saddened in the household of God.
C. 36 Consulting the Sisters1
To deal with matters affecting the welfare of the community the abbess, mindful of the admonitions of the Rule, willingly consults the sisters, by means of either the conventual chapter or her private council. The sisters are to approach the consultation in a spirit of docility to the voice of the Holy Spirit and to offer their opinions humbly and forthrightly. Except in those cases where the law provides otherwise it pertains to the abbess, having listened to the sisters attentively, to make the final decision. In confidential matters all are to be careful to maintain secrecy.2
Voting is to be secret in all elections, in other cases prescribed by law, and when one of those present requests it. In the counting of votes, null votes and abstentions are not included. When the consent of the abbess's council or the conventual chapter is required for the performance of an action the abbess, to act validly, must obtain this consent either by an absolute majority or by a two-thirds majority, as the case may be. Having obtained the consent, the abbess may perform the action, but she is not bound to. If the consent is denied, she cannot act validly. In the same way, when it is prescribed that the abbess must consult her council or the conventual chapter, that consultation is required for the validity of the action.ST 36.2.A
Votes are not taken unless the matter to be voted upon has been clearly presented and some interval allowed for reflection and prayer.ST 36.2.B
Whenever consent is required, after the votes have been cast, the abbess and two witnesses are to count the votes and announce the result. The result is to be entered in the book of the acts of the chapter or council and signed by the abbess and the two witnesses.3
In seeking advice or consent the abbess or superior may vote, but she is not bound to. Those absent cannot vote by letter or by proxy. The exclaustrated lack both active and passive voice.
ST 36.3.A
A sister absent from her monastery for the service of the Order, health or studies or, in accordance with C. 13.4, to lead the eremitical life, keeps her active and passive voice as a member of the conventual chapter. However, conscious of her responsibilities, she should be prudent and judicious in using or not using this right.ST 36.3.B
Except in the cases foreseen in ST 36.3.A, a sister's active voice is suspended if she is absent from the monastery for more than six months, even legitimately.a.
If this sister wishes to return definitively to her community the abbess, with the consent of her council and taking into consideration the duration of the absence, can require that the sister live in the community for a certain period before resuming the exercise of her voting rights.
b.
Having consulted the conventual chapter the president of an election can restore voting rights to a sister who is resident in the monastery but who has lost them by reason of a previous absence.
C. 37 Conventual ChapterThe conventual chapter is composed of sisters in solemn vows who have stability in the community together with the superior. All enjoy active and passive voice in its deliberations and acts unless otherwise noted in the Constitutions.
ST 37.A
The abbess needs the consent of the conventual chapter with a two-thirds majority in the following cases:a.
to admit a nun of the Order to stability in the community, without prejudice to the exception mentioned in C. 60.b.
to implement the plan for a new foundation.c.
to raise a foundation into an autonomous monastery.
ST 37.A bis
The titular prioress also needs the consent of the conventual chapter with a two-thirds vote to begin the process for her priory to move to a superior rank.
ST 37.B
The abbess needs the consent of the conventual chapter with an absolute majority in the following cases:a.
to admit a novice to temporary profession.
a. bis
to allow a sister coming from another community to renew her temporary vows.
b.
to admit a sister to solemn profession.
c.
to proceed validly in the administrative matters treated in C. 44.
d.
to allow a change of filiation (cf. ST 73.C).
e.
to enable a sister in a simple priory to take part in an election if she has been simply professed for at least three years.
f.
to begin the process of a new foundation.
ST 37.C
The Conventual Chapter must give its consent for a Father Immediate to inquire into the capacity of an abbess and to verify it, and to request the Abbot General to suspend the abbess from the exercise of her office, in the circumstances foreseen on ST 40.B.bis.
C. 38 The Abbess's CouncilThe council, composed of some of the members of the conventual chapter, helps the abbess in governing the community.
ST 38.A
The abbess's council is composed of at least three sisters of whom one or more may be elected by the conventual chapter.ST 38.B
The abbess needs the consent of the council with an absolute majority in the following cases:a.
to readmit a sister who has lawfully left at the end of the novitiate or after making profession without the obligation of repeating the novitiate, and to determine the form and duration of the new period of probation.
b.
to determine, in accordance with ST 36.3.B.a, the length of time a sister who returns to the community is to live there before she can resume the exercise of her voting rights.
c.
to fix the limits of strict enclosure.
d.
to ask the Abbot General to oblige a particular sister to transfer temporarily to another monastery for the sake of peace according to ST 60.B.
e.
to ask the Abbot General to petition the Holy See to impose an exclaustration on a particular sister.
ST 38.C
The abbess must first hear her council in the following cases:a.
to admit a postulant into the novitiate.
b.
to name the superior of a new foundation.
c.
to choose the members of a new foundation.
d.
to give permission to a nun to follow an eremitical vocation.
e.
to exclude a sister in temporary vows from making further profession.
f.
to have recourse to the Abbot General to seek an indult of dispensation from solemn vows.
g.
to begin the process of dismissal of a nun with solemn or temporary vows.ST 38.D
The abbess acts with her council in making the declaration of fact that juridically establishes the dismissal of a nun in accordance with can. 694.2 CIC.
C. 39 The Election of an Abbess
1
When a monastery is without an abbess, the governance is assumed by the prioress. She, however is to make no change or to take any important decision except in a grave and urgent situation. In that case she is strictly bound to listen to the conventual chapter and, if possible, the Father Immediate.2
An abbess is elected by the conventual chapter, acting collegially together with the extern sisters who have made perpetual vows. The Father Immediate, who presides at the election by right, or his delegate is to promote among the sisters a spirit of faith and discernment so that they may set a worthy administrator over the household of God.ST 39.2.A
In the election that takes place when a foundation has become an autonomous monastery, and in those held until the community attains the status of a major priory, with the consent of the conventual chapter, the temporarily professed who have at least three years of profession may vote.ST 39.2.B
If the welfare of the community requires it, the Father Immediate may postpone an election beyond three months and propose that the community pass to the regime of a superior ad nutum. Before deciding this he should first consult the conventual chapter and obtain the consent of the Abbot General. Before choosing the person to be superior ad nutum he consults the sisters again. If such a regime, which is exceptional, lasts more than three years, at the time of the General Chapter, the Father Immediate, after having first consulted the community, submits the case to the General Chapter.3
To be elected abbess a nun must be solemnly professed in the Order for at least seven years.ST 39.3.A
The one who is elected should be at least 35 years old.ST 39.3.B
Any sister who has made profession in the Order can be elected abbess but neither the abbess of any other monastery nor, unless she is a member of the community, a nun councillor of the Abbot General can be elected.4
An abbess and a prioress of a major priory are elected for an unrestricted term. Nevertheless they can be elected for a fixed term according to the conditions laid down by the General Chapter. The prioress of a simple priory is elected in accordance with the norms of the Statute on Foundations.ST 39.4.A
When an absolute majority of the conventual chapter chooses, the chapter can elect an abbess for a fixed term of six years.ST 39.4.B
Before an election, the president is obliged to inquire of the conventual chapter whether it desires to elect an abbess for a term of six years.ST 39.4.C
An abbess elected for a fixed term can always be re-elected.ST 39.4.D
The election is to be held not less than fifteen days after the vacancy and, unless there is a just impediment, within three months. In the case of an abbatial mandate for a fixed term, the election is held immediately the mandate ends.5
An absolute majority of votes is required for an election, not counting null votes and abstentions. If a majority is not obtained on the first or second ballot, further ballots are to be held until it is achieved. For the good of the community, however, and with the consent of the conventual chapter, the president of the election has the faculty of limiting the number of ballots. A two-thirds majority is required in cases of postulation.6
The election is confirmed by the Abbot General. Each re-election requires a new confirmation by the Abbot General.ST 39.6.A
When confirmation has been received the one elected is installed. She receives the abbatial blessing at a convenient time.ST 39.6.B
The acts of the election are to be sent to the Abbot General as soon as possible.ST 39.6.C
The ritual of the Order is followed for the election, installation and blessing of an abbess.
C. 40 Resignation from OfficeFor a just cause an abbess may submit her resignation to the General Chapter. When the General Chapter is not in session, she presents her resignation to the Abbot General who acts as vicar of the Chapter in this matter.
ST 40.A
An abbess is to tender her resignation of her own accord when she reaches 75 years of age.ST 40.B
When an abbess offers her resignation the Father Immediate is always consulted. Careful inquiry is made, if the matter demands it, into the views of the community. Neighbouring superiors also are to be consulted, if appropriate.ST 40.B.bis
If because of any infirmity, it is impossible either physically or psychologically for an abbess to exercise her pastoral function, it is for the Father Immediate, having consulted experts and obtained the consent of the conventual chapter, to investigate and verify the matter. If the impossibility is evident he immediately informs the Abbot General, who with the consent of his council, can remove the abbess from office.
If the reason is different, such as imprisonment, banishment or exile (cf. Can 412 CIC), it is for the Father Immediate, with the consent of the conventual chapter, to ask the Abbot General to suspend, with the consent of his council, the abbess from the exercise of her office. The Father Immediate then appoints a superior ad nutum or asks the conventual chapter to choose a temporary superior.ST 40.C
A nun who left the community of her profession to exercise the abbatial ministry in another community of the Order can, within a year of resigning from office or completing her mandate, resume her first stability.
CHAPTER THREE: Temporal Administration
C. 41 Temporal Goods of the Monastery1
Fidelity to Cistercian traditions requires that the community's regular income be mainly the fruit of its own work. Each sister has the right and duty of serving the community by doing her share of its work according to her abilities and within the economic structure of the monastery.2
It is the abbess's responsibility as the administrator of God's household to ensure that the community's possession and use of temporal goods is such that provision is made for human needs and, at the same time, the law of the Gospel is obeyed. The community is to remain faithful to the Church's teaching on social justice, and in its business dealings to withhold support from all structures of oppression.3
Following a long tradition some part of the monastery's income is to be allocated for the needs of the Church and the support of those in want, as far as this is possible.
C. 42 Juridical StatusBy law, the Order and each of its monasteries are juridical persons, capable of acquiring, possessing, administering and alienating temporal goods.
C. 43 Ordinary Administration1
The abbess appoints a cellarer who is responsible for the ordinary administration of the monastery's temporal affairs. Normally, apart from the abbess, only she may act validly in the name of the monastery when incurring expenses and in legal matters. The abbess may, however, entrust some business to other sisters, specifying the limits of their authority and their responsibility in financial dealings. All these officials are accountable to the abbess.ST 43.1.A
The monastery is to keep accounts using a system that is locally acceptable. At regular intervals the accounts are to be submitted to the judgement of a professional.ST 43.1.B
The consent of the abbess is required for investing money. Investments are to be managed prudently. Any speculation is forbidden.ST 43.1.C
It is not permissible in any circumstances for the members of our Order to grant to third parties rights to the use of the titles "La Trappe" or "Trappist" or terms derived from them. They are to use their best efforts, according to their own civil law, to prevent or stop any usurpation, imitation or illegal use of these words. They must avoid ceding or conceding for any reason the rights to the use as a title, commercial name or trademark, of any name derived from the title of the monastery or containing such words as "abbey", "monk" or "monastery" and the like.2
The monastery is to have a finance committee, with which the abbess regularly reviews the economic situation of the monastery.3
Temporal administration is to be examined during the regular visitation.ST 43.3.A
The account books of the monastery are to be shown to the visitor who, before he signs them, either examines them himself or gives them to someone competent. If the visitor perceives that the monastery is in a dangerous economic situation, he notifies the Abbot General and also, if he is a delegated visitor, the Father Immediate.
C. 44 Extraordinary Administration
1
Alienation or any transaction by which the patrimonial condition of the monastery could be adversely affected is considered an act of extraordinary administration. Special permissions are required to perform such acts validly when the matter involves sums in excess of what is fixed by law.2
The permission of the Holy See is required for an act of extraordinary administration if the sum involved exceeds that fixed by the Holy See for each region, or if it concerns things donated to the monastery in fulfilment of a vow or that are precious for artistic or historical reasons.ST 44.2.A
When the permission of the Holy See is needed the consent of the conventual chapter and the General Chapter should be obtained.ST 44.2.B
In an urgent case, the permission to be asked from the General Chapter may be obtained from the Abbot General with the consent of his council. This permission is to be given in writing.3
The General Chapter determines the sums in excess of which special permissions are needed for the validity of acts of extraordinary administration that are not covered in paragraph 2.ST 44.3.A
The consent of the conventual chapter and of the General Chapter is required for any transaction that exceeds the greater sum fixed by the General Chapter, and for the construction or demolition of buildings if more than this amount is involved.ST 44.3.B
The consent of the conventual chapter is required for any transaction that exceeds the lesser sum fixed by the General Chapter and for giving power of attorney in a serious matter.
C. 45 The Process of Formation
1
Formation to Cistercian life has for its purpose the restoration of the divine likeness in the sisters through the working of the Holy Spirit. Aided by the maternal care of the Mother of God, the sisters so advance in the monastic way of life that they progressively attain the full measure of the stature of Christ.2
Solitude, continual prayer, humble work, voluntary poverty, celibate chastity, and obedience are not human skills, and cannot be learned from human beings. Nevertheless, the teaching of the abbess, the experience and wisdom of the seniors, and the constant help and example of the community are of great value to the sisters as they pass through the different situations and changes of the spiritual journey.3
The role of the community in the process of formation is to help each sister to assimilate the essential elements of the Cistercian way of life. Those in formation, conscious of their responsibility, should actively collaborate with their formators so that they may faithfully be responsive to the grace of their divine vocation. This formation, which begins at entry and continues throughout life, has many aspects: human, doctrinal and spiritual. It is to be regarded as an important part of the pastoral responsibility of the abbess.ST 45.3.A
A Ratio Institutionis is to be promulgated for the Order and adapted in all the regions according to the different circumstances of each monastery.ST 45.3.B
Monasteries are to offer generous mutual assistance in making this formation a reality.
C. 46 Admission of Sisters1
Newcomers to monastic life are to be received kindly, but not easily admitted into the community. By frequent visits to the monastery they become acquainted with the members of the community. They are told about all the hard and difficult things that are to be found on the way to God. They are to be received as sisters only if they manifest the spiritual attitude needed for monastic life and give evidence of adequate maturity and health. When these qualities are present their desire to embrace this life can be recognised as an indication of God's call and of their intention of truly seeking God with all their heart.ST 46.1.A
The abbess is to determine with the mistress of novices the time that the postulants spend with the sisters before canonically beginning the novitiate. Postulants are initiated into the spiritual disciplines of the Order in a manner appropriate to them at this stage.2
A religious in perpetual vows coming from another institute to enter our Order needs the permission of her Supreme Moderator and of the Abbot General, each with the consent of their council. She does not make temporary profession, but can be admitted to solemn profession after at least three years of probation. The norms of universal law are to be observed if she is not admitted. Universal law also defines her canonical status during the time of probation.ST 46.2.A
The sister first obtains a leave of absence from her institute and lives in the community for at least six months. After that, when the abbess has received the authorisations necessary for the transfer she admits the sister to probation for three years, at least two of which are to be spent with those in formation. The time of probation can be prolonged by the abbess for another three years.ST 46.2.B
For the admission of a member of a secular Institute or Society of Apostolic life, permission of the Holy See is required, and its instructions are to be followed (Can. 684. 5)
C. 47 The Mistress of NovicesOne who is skilled in winning souls is to be chosen as mistress of novices. She is to be prudent, well formed in the monastic way of life, effective in communicating the wisdom of the Fathers to the juniors and capable of giving them direction.
ST 47.A
The mistress of novices is to be at least 30 years old and solemnly professed in the Order for at least two years.
C. 48 Admission to the NovitiateThe abbess is to observe all that is required by law for admission into the novitiate.
ST 48.A
The abbess is to consult her council before admitting postulants into the novitiate.ST 48.B
The rite of admission is given in the ritual of the Order.
C. 49 Formation of Novices1
The mistress of novices should lead newcomers to share in the life of the monastic family. She is to instruct them in monastic observances, especially the Work of God, lectio divina, prayer and manual work. During the novitiate they are not given offices or work that could impede their formation. All the sisters are to support the novices by prayer and example and encourage them to persevere.
ST 49.1.A
To facilitate the formation of the novices it is recommended that a special part of the monastery be assigned to them.ST 49.1.B
Between the abbess and the mistress of novices there should exist a sincere and profound unity of spirit, heart and orientation. This is an indispensable condition for a genuine formation of the novices. The abbess and the mistress of novices together determine novitiate policy. This is explained to the community by the abbess in order to obtain its co-operation.2
Even in the school of love obstacles to full affective maturity can occur. It is of great importance that the community provide for the sisters such help as they need to overcome these obstacles. The mistress of novices should constantly discern their characters and their progress and help them to grow in self-knowledge. Where appropriate, she should make use of professionals in this field. The formation of novices should be entrusted only to wise and suitable sisters.
C. 50 Duration of the NovitiateThe novitiate lasts two years. For pastoral reasons the abbess can prolong it for a further six months. For the novitiate to be valid a novice must spend twelve months in the novitiate. For absences from the monastery during this time can. 649.1 CIC is applicable. First profession can be anticipated but not by more than fifteen days.
ST 50.A
The Abbot General, having consulted his council, can dispense from the second year of novitiate.
C. 51 Admission to Temporary Profession
During the novitiate care is taken to discern whether the novice has grown spiritually through her participation in monastic life. If she truly seeks God, is zealous for the Work of God, obedience and humiliations and is suited to living correctly in solitude and silence the community relationships that constitute Cistercian life then at the end of the novitiate she is to be admitted by the abbess to temporary profession. This is done at her free request and with the consent of the conventual chapter.
C. 52 Temporary Profession
1
By temporary vows sis