1.
In this year when the Abbey of Cîteaux fervently celebrates the ninth centenary of its foundation, I am happy to associate myself with the joy and thanksgiving of the great Cistercian family who wishes on this occasion to return to the sources of its founding charism to discern there the promises of a new vitality.

2.
As the third millennium approaches and the whole Church prepares itself for the great Jubilee, we call to mind the prophetic work of Robert of Molesme and his companions who established the New Monastery in 1098, to give effect to their ardent desire henceforth to attach themselves more strictly and more perfectly to the Rule of the Blessed Benedict (Exordium parvum). They reread this Rule in the light of previous spiritual tradition, at the same time illuminating it through their reading of the signs of the times. In living the demands of the monastic life with greater authenticity, they found the interior harmony necessary for seeking God in humility, obedience and good zeal.

In fact, by the faithful observance of the Rule of Saint Benedict in its purity and rigour, Robert, Alberic and Stephen, the Founders of Cîteaux gave birth to a new form of monastic existence. Their religious life was to be totally oriented towards the experience of the living God, an experience which they had in giving themselves with their brothers to the following of Christ in simplicity and poverty, according to the Gospel. By solitude they sought to live for God at the same time as they built a community of brothers. Through renunciation, in an austere and laborious life, they strove to advance the growth of the new human being.

3.
The charism of Cîteaux expanded rapidly. It made a very important contribution to the history of spirituality and culture in the West. From the twelfth century, the 400 monasteries in existence were centres of intense spiritual life throughout Europe. For the Founders and their disciples -- notably Bernard of Clairvaux, William of St Thierry, Guerric of Igny, Aelred of Rievaulx, Isaac of Stella, Amedeus of Lausanne, Gilbert of Hoyland, Baldwin of Forde, John of Forde and Adam of Perseigne -- the Rule provided in an eminent degree direction and advice for the interior life. They discovered in Benedict a rich doctrine on humility, obedience, love and fear of God. They also felt urged to draw directly from the Gospel and from the Fathers of the Church.

The Cistercians very quickly developed a deep spirituality based on a solid theological anthropology, centred around [the doctrine of ] the human being as the image and likeness of God. Other aspects of the spiritual life were developed also, already sketched out by St Benedict: self-knowledge and the teaching on love and mystical contemplation. The "school of the Lord's service" became also a "school of charity". Here can be seen a deepening sense of humanity in its capacity to love and freely to respond to love by allowing itself to be guided by reason. This humanism is based on the divine economy and on grace, especially on the Incarnation in its most human dimension.

4.
The Cistercian reform had a profound effect on the renewal of the liturgy, which it simplified and unified. Today in community celebrations characterised by a sober solemnity, monks and nuns luminously give expression to their call to praise God, to intercede for the Church and the world, in communion with the prayer of all Christians. In the Eucharist and the liturgy of the Hours which show forth the mystery of Christ and manifest the authentic nature of the Church, they express in a privileged manner their intimate union with the Lord and with his work of salvation. In finding their daily nourishment in the liturgy, calmly balanced with their life of work, they witness strongly to the fundamental reason for their particular mission to men and women.

Cistercian art was at the service of monastic life. It was expressed by a harmonious beauty in building which proclaimed the splendour and glory of God. By its elegance and by its stripping away of all that does not promote an encounter with God, this art led human beings towards God to taste in God nobility and goodness. It helped them to enter into prayer and to cultivate the interiority that leads to the knowledge of the Lord.

Brothers and Sisters, heirs of the Cistercian patrimony, I invite you to remain ardent and enthusiastic witnesses of the search for God, through the celebration of the liturgy -- source and summit of your monastic life, through lectio divina -- careful listening and meditation on the Word of God received in humility and joy, and also through frequent application to prayer, following the invitation of your Father, Saint Benedict. You will find there a never-ending source of interior peace which you will desire to share generously with all.

5.
Our age is experiencing a renewed interest in the spiritual and cultural patrimony of the Cistercians. This patrimony finds expression in your monasteries, each with its own particular history and situation, each responding in a particular way to the expectations of the local church. For many people essential spiritual questions can be expressed and deepened thanks to the hospitality which they receive in monasteries. A fraternal community of faith allows them to see a stable point in a society where the most basic landmarks have disappeared. This is especially true of younger people.

Sons and daughters of Cîteaux, the Church expects from you that your monasteries will be, according to your vocation, in the midst of the people of today "an eloquent sign of communion, a welcoming abode for those seeking God and the things of thespirit, schools of faith and true places of study, dialogue and culture for the building up of the life of the Church and of the earthly city itself, in the expectation of the heavenly city" (Vita Consecrata, 6)

I encourage you according to your circumstances to discern with prudence and a prophetic sense, the participation of lay faithful in your spiritual family, under the form of "'associate members' or following the present needs in certain cultural contexts, under the form of a temporary sharing in community life" (Vita Consecrata, 56), and a commitment to contemplation, provided that the special identity of your monastic life is not impaired.

6.
The commemoration of the founding of Cîteaux reminds us also of the importance of this great movement of spiritual renewal in the Christian roots of Europe. I am glad to know that in the course of this jubilee year several events will allow this aspect of the Cistercian heritage to be emphasised. The fruitfulness of your charism is not limited to your monastic communities but it has truly become a universal benefit for all Christianity. As Europe is developing I desire that those who guide its development can find in the spirit of Cîteaux the elements of a deep spiritual renewal which ought to be the soul of the European community experience..

7.
The desire for a new life in the following of Christ which is characterisitic of Cîteaux from its beginnings, remains an insight of great relevance. In fact, the Rule offers to each a straight road of evangelical perfection thanks to a discreet balance between the different traditional monastic observances. Monks find in these demands the appropriate means that lead to purity of heart and unity of spirit with God. This has been recently emphasised by the Synod on religious life, which wished to give due importance to the spiritual and prophetic dimension of the religious life. "In our world, where it often seems that the signs of God's presence habe been lost from sight, a convincing prophetic witness on the part of consecrated persons is increasingly necessary.  In the first place this should entail the affirmation of the primacy of God and of eternal life, as evidenced in the following and imitation of the chaste, poor and obedient Christ, who was completely consecrated to the glory of God and to the love of his brothers and sisters." (Vita Consecrata, 85).

Returning today to its primitive inspiration after nine continuous centuries that have not always been exempt from reverses, the Cistercian family recognises itself in the founding grace of the first Fathers. It also discovers the legitimate diversity of its traditions which are a benefit for all and which express the vitality of the original charism. In this the Church sees the work of a single Spirit, beginning with the same gift.

In this celebration of the foundation of Cîteaux, I heartily encourage the communities that form the great Cistercian family to enter together into the new millennium in true communion, in mutual confidence and in the respect for the traditions inherited from history. May this anniversary of the "New Monastery" which has been such a great centre of light in the Church and in the world, be for all a reminder of a common origin and a common belonging, and a symbol of a unity that is constantly to be received and constantly to be built.

8.
The contemporary vigour of the Cistercian charism at the end of the second millennium has been signalled by the testimony given to the Gospel in a way that is particularly significant by numerous sons and daughters of the Cistercian family. I would like to mention by name Fr Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi, whom, on the very days when the ninth centenary of Cîteaux is celebrated, I shall have the joy of beatifying in Nigeria, his country of origin, where he had toiled to bring the Gospel to his compatriots.

The sacrifice of the Trappists of Tibhirine is still present in our hearts. These martyrs of God's love for all, were peacemakers by the gift of their lives. They invite Christ's disciples to keep their gaze fixed on God and to live love until the end, mindful above all that there is no following of Christ without renunciation. Keep their memory as a precious spiritual possession for the Cistercian family and for the whole Church!

9.
Let us repeat St Bernard's words. "If Mary is your protector you will have nothing to fear: with her as your guide you will feel no weariness, by her patronage you will reach the goal" (Missus Est 2). I entrust you to Our Lady, the Queen of Cîteaux and I greet in particular the community of the "New Monastery" which is also celebrating the centenary of the monks' return after a long absence. I extend to all the members of the Cistercian family a loving apostolic Blessing.

From the Vatican, 6 March 1998.

Joannes Paulus II

(Translated from the French original)