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 brothers/sisters. The liturgy is celebrated […] in conformity with the Cistercian tradition, following the norms approved by the General Chapter and confirmed, where necessary, by the Holy See. — Constitution 17
Ritual
From the early years of the Order the Cistercians sought to celebrate the liturgy according to the Rule of St Benedict in a simple and authentic manner, and the General Chapter determined that the books for the celebration of the Divine Office and the Mass would be the same everywhere. This liturgy developed progressively through the 12th century, and lasted, almost unchanged, until the Council of Trent. In the 17th century new liturgical books for the use of the Order were produced, most notably the Cistercian Ritual, which remained in place until Vatican Council II. Even though there were different observances within the Order from the mid-17th century the liturgy was always the same in every monastery, something which continued even after the formal separation of the two observances in 1892. Both Orders worked on the renewal of their liturgies during the decades following Vatican council II and in 1998, on the ninth centenary of the founding of Cîteaux a new single Cistercian Ritual was published.
Calendar & Martyrology Over the centuries the Cistercian Order had developed its own liturgical calendar for the celebration of the feast of saints. Following the reforms of Vatican Council II a revised calendar of Cistercian saints and celebrations was approved which are integrated into the General Roman Calendar. This revised liturgical calendar is common to the OCSO and OCist, with some variations for each order. There is also a revised Martyrology which includes those Cistercian saints no longer featuring in the Calendar
Ordo
Each year the Order produces the Ordo for the following liturgical year, beginning with the First Sunday of Advent. This document which combines the General Roman Calendar and the Cistercian Calendar, specifies the liturgical celebration for each date during the year ahead.
- You can find the current Ordo here
- You can find the Ordos of previous years here
- You can find the introduction to the Ordo here
Missal
In 1983 the prayers for Mass and for the Divine Office for the proper of Saints of the Cistercian calendar was approved for use. Prayers for saints recognised since then have been added.
Lectionary
A supplement to the Lectionary has been prepared for the proper of Saints of the Cistercian calendar which provides the readings for use on solemnities and feast and suggests readings for use ad libitum on memorials.
Daily Office Readings
Some monasteries use alternative cycles of readings to those found in the Roman Breviary for the office of Vigils.