The Cistercian Order

• Who are the Cistercians?
• Beginnings
• Later History
• Cistercians Today
• Cistercians in America

IV. Cistercians Today

Separated by geography, language and lifestyle, the two Cistercian orders maintained distinct existences over the next 100 years. The Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (O.C.S.O.) focused on uniform observance and a strictly contemplative lifestyle, while the Cistercian Order (O. Cist.) defined its relationship to the world in a greater variety of ways, often combining their monastic traditions with different apostolic or missionary tasks. The twentieth century has seen the expansion of both orders outside of Europe, into parts of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. In recent times, the two orders have begun developing new ties with each other, mostly revolving around their shared roots in early Cistercian life and spirituality.