The Cistercians, also recognized as the Order of Cistercians (Latin: (Sacer) Ordo Cisterciensis), constitute a Catholic religious order comprising monks and nuns who originated from the Benedictines. They adhere to the Rule of Saint Benedict, incorporating the teachings of the influential Bernard of Clairvaux, often referred to as the Latin Rule. Variably known as Bernardines or White Monks due to the hue of their "cuculla" or choir robe, distinct from the Benedictines' black attire, they uphold a tradition that diverged from their Benedictine origins. The term "Cistercian" originates from Cistercium, the Latin name for the location of Cîteaux near Dijon in eastern France. In 1098, a faction of Benedictine monks from Molesme established Cîteaux Abbey, aiming to closely adhere to the Rule of Saint Benedict. Noteworthy figures like Robert of Molesme, Alberic of Cîteaux, and Stephen Harding were instrumental in its foundation. Bernard of Clairvaux, alongside 30 companions, joined the monastery in the early 1110s, significantly contributing to the order's establishment. By the late 12th century, the Cistercians had expanded across various regions of Europe. Central to Cistercian life was a return to the literal observance of the Benedictine Rule, seeking a monastic existence reminiscent of Benedict's era. Embracing manual labor, particularly in agriculture, marked a notable aspect of their reform-minded approach, surpassing Benedict's austere guidelines. The order left a profound cultural and technological imprint, notably in medieval architecture and advancements in agriculture and hydraulic engineering. Initially reliant on agriculture, vineyards, and ale brewing for sustenance, many Cistercian abbeys gradually shifted focus towards education and scholarly pursuits over time. A reform movement, commencing at La Trappe Abbey in 17th-century France and known as the Trappists, advocated for a simpler lifestyle. Eventually, this faction coalesced in 1892 to form the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (Latin: Ordo Cisterciensis Strictioris Observantiae) or OCSO. The Cistercians remaining within the original order became known as the Cistercians of the Common Observance (OCist), distinct from the Trappists.

Cistercians - Wikipedia