Pope Francis to Trappists: courageous witness to
charism
Vatican Radio) Pope Francis received the
participants in the General Chapter of the Order of Cistertians of the
Strict Observance – the Trappists – which is taking
place in Assisi from the 6th to the 27th of
September.
The OCSO at a glance
Part of the larger Cistercian family, which traces its
origin to 1098, the OCSO follow the Rule of St.
Benedict, dedicating their lives to the search for union with God through
Jesus Christ, in a community of sisters or brothers.
All Cistercian monasteries are dedicated to Mary, the Mother
of God, and the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Mother is the
Order’s patronal feast.
The OCSO General Chapter is the
supreme authority in the Order, and is prepared by a Central Commission elected
by the previous Chapter and whose members are chosen by the various regions of
the Order.
There are formally two separate Chapters: one for monks and
one for nuns – though they meet together every three years, “to foster peace
and charity among themselves and to make appropriate decisions for maintaining
the patrimony and unity of the Order.”
Pope to Trappists: courageous witness to permanent
truths
In remarks prepared for the occasion of the special audience
with participants in the current General Chapter, and delivered Saturday
morning in the Apostolic Palace, Pope Francis said, “From the outset, the
Cistercians of Strict Observance have made themselves known for their great
sobriety of life, convinced that to concentrate on the essence and [thus] to
reach more easily the joy of the spousal encounter with Christ, should be a
valid help.”
The Holy Father went on to say, “This element of spiritual and
existential simplicity preserves all its value as a [mode of] witness in
today’s cultural context, which too often leads to the desire for ephemeral
goods and illusory artificial paradises.”
“Throughout its history,” said Pope Francis, “your Order has
known times of grace and moments of difficulty; but it has always persevered in
fidelity to the sequela Christi, having as its purpose the glory of
God and the good of the people.” He went on to say, “Continuing in the way of
your spiritual tradition, may your read the present state of the Order in its
shadows and lights, and in the novelty of the Spirit, identify with courage new
possibilities and occasions to witness your charism in the present of the
Church and of Society.”
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