Benedictine vs. Cistercian

Attribute	Benedictine	Cistercian
Founder	St. Benedict of Nursia	St. Robert of Molesme
Year Founded	6th century	11th century
Location of Founding	Italy	France
Monastic Focus	Balance of prayer, work, and study	Strict observance of the Rule of St. Benedict
Monastic Habit	Black	White

History

The Benedictine and Cistercian orders are two of the oldest and most influential monastic orders in the Catholic Church. The Benedictine Order was founded by St. Benedict of Nursia in the 6th century, with its main focus on ora et labora, or prayer and work. Benedictine monasteries were known for their self-sufficiency and dedication to a life of prayer, study, and manual labor. On the other hand, the Cistercian Order was founded in the 11th century by a group of monks seeking a return to a stricter observance of the Rule of St. Benedict. The Cistercians emphasized simplicity, poverty, and manual labor, with a particular focus on agriculture and self-sufficiency.

Monastic Life

Both Benedictine and Cistercian monastic life is centered around the Rule of St. Benedict, which outlines the daily routine and spiritual practices of the monks. Benedictine monasteries are known for their balance of prayer, work, and community life. The monks follow a set schedule of prayer, including the Liturgy of the Hours, and engage in various forms of manual labor to support themselves and their community. Cistercian monasteries, on the other hand, place a greater emphasis on simplicity and austerity. The monks live a more contemplative life, with a focus on silence, solitude, and manual labor as a form of prayer.

Architecture

One of the most visible differences between Benedictine and Cistercian monasteries is their architecture. Benedictine monasteries are known for their ornate and elaborate buildings, with intricate decorations and artwork. The monastic complex often includes a church, cloister, chapter house, and other buildings for living and working. In contrast, Cistercian monasteries are characterized by their simplicity and lack of ornamentation. The buildings are typically constructed from local materials and designed to blend in with the natural surroundings. The focus is on functionality and practicality, rather than grandeur.

Spirituality

While both Benedictine and Cistercian spirituality is rooted in the Rule of St. Benedict, there are some differences in emphasis. Benedictine spirituality is known for its balance of prayer, work, and community life. The monks strive for stability, obedience, and humility in their daily lives, seeking to live out the Gospel values in a communal setting. Cistercian spirituality, on the other hand, places a greater emphasis on simplicity, poverty, and solitude. The monks seek to live a more contemplative life, focusing on prayer, silence, and manual labor as a form of worship.

Community Life

Community life is a central aspect of both Benedictine and Cistercian monasticism. In Benedictine monasteries, the monks live and work together in a spirit of mutual support and cooperation. They gather regularly for prayer, meals, and community meetings, fostering a sense of unity and belonging. Cistercian monasteries, on the other hand, place a greater emphasis on solitude and silence. The monks live a more contemplative life, with limited interaction with each other and a focus on individual prayer and reflection.

Legacy

Both the Benedictine and Cistercian orders have had a lasting impact on the Catholic Church and Western civilization. Benedictine monasteries played a key role in preserving and transmitting knowledge during the Middle Ages, through their scriptoria and libraries. They also contributed to the development of agriculture, education, and healthcare in Europe. The Cistercians, on the other hand, were known for their innovations in agriculture and architecture, as well as their spiritual writings and mystical theology. Both orders continue to thrive today, with monasteries around the world dedicated to a life of prayer, work, and service.