The Cistercian Movement: Reforming Monastic Life in the Twelfth Century

Overview

In response to perceived laxities within the Cluniac monasteries of the eleventh century, a new Cistercian Order emerged in 1098. The Cistercians sought to return to the original strictness of the Benedictine rule, emphasizing manual labor and spiritual discipline. This movement was significantly influenced by figures like St Bernard of Clairvaux, who became a key leader and preacher during the twelfth century. The Cistercian Order not only reformed monastic life but also had profound impacts on ecclesiastical architecture and church organization.

Context

The eleventh and twelfth centuries were marked by significant religious reform movements within Europe’s Christian churches. Monasteries, originally centers of spiritual discipline and learning, faced challenges including secularization and the accumulation of wealth that compromised their initial spiritual mission. The Cluniac Reform had aimed to address these issues but eventually itself fell victim to similar temptations. This environment fostered a need for new movements focused on stricter adherence to monastic rules.

Timeline

• 1098: Founding of Cîteaux Abbey by Robert of Molesme, marking the start of the Cistercian Order.
• 1115: St Bernard of Clairvaux joins and becomes a key figure in the order’s development.
• 1124: The Cistercians establish their first daughter house at Morimond, spreading rapidly across Europe.
• 1134: Founding of Fontevraud Abbey by Robert d’Arbrissel, which adopts many Cistercian practices but with unique features.
• 1145: Bernard of Clairvaux dies, leaving behind a legacy as the most influential preacher and reformer in Europe.
• 1200s: The influence of the Cistercians wanes slightly due to internal divisions and external pressures from other religious orders.

Key Terms and Concepts

Cistercian Order: A monastic order founded in 1098 emphasizing strict adherence to Benedictine rules, including manual labor and a simple lifestyle. It aimed to reform monastic practices across Europe.

Cluniac Reform: A movement within the Catholic Church initiated by Cluny Abbey that sought to restore monastic discipline but eventually encountered its own issues with secularization.

Benedictine Rule: A set of guidelines established in the 6th century by Saint Benedict for living a life dedicated to God, emphasizing community and spiritual work. It forms the basis for many monastic orders.

Manual Labor: Physical work done by monks as part of their vows, such as farming, construction, or craftsmanship, which was an essential aspect of Cistercian life.

St Bernard of Clairvaux: A prominent monk and abbot who became a leading figure in the Cistercian Order. He is known for his spiritual writings and preaching.

Ecclesiastical Architecture: The design and construction of churches, monasteries, and other religious buildings influenced by the architectural preferences and needs of the Cistercians.

Key Figures and Groups

• Robert of Molesme (1028–1107): Founder of the Abbey of Molesme and later instrumental in establishing the Cîteaux Abbey, laying the groundwork for the Cistercian movement.

• St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153): A pivotal figure who joined the Cistercians at a young age. He became an influential abbot and preacher, known for his spiritual writings and support for the Second Crusade.

Mechanisms and Processes

-> Dissatisfaction with Cluniac practices -> Founding of Cîteaux Abbey -> Spread through daughter houses -> Influence on ecclesiastical architecture -> Reform of monastic discipline

1. Dissatisfaction with Cluniac Practices: Monks felt that the Cluniac movement, while originally aimed at reform, had itself become overly luxurious and secularized.
2. -> Founding of Cîteaux Abbey: In 1098, Robert of Molesme founded a new abbey focused on strict adherence to Benedictine rules, marking the start of the Cistercian Order.
3. -> Spread through Daughter Houses: The Cistercians established daughter houses across Europe, spreading their reforms widely.
4. -> Influence on Ecclesiastical Architecture: Cistercian monasteries featured specific architectural designs that emphasized simplicity and functionality over grandeur.
5. -> Reform of Monastic Discipline: The order’s strict adherence to rules led to a broader reform movement in other religious institutions.

Deep Background

The roots of the Cistercian Order trace back to earlier movements within Western Christendom, particularly those aimed at monastic reform. The Cluniac Reform was one such movement that sought to restore discipline and spiritual focus within monasteries but eventually faced criticism for its own compromises. As a reaction, the Benedictine monks who would become Cistercians looked back to their original rule, emphasizing strict discipline, manual labor, and simplicity.

The development of the Cistercian Order also paralleled broader medieval trends towards greater centralization and uniformity within ecclesiastical structures. The Church faced challenges from secular rulers and internal divisions, which made calls for reform resonate widely among religious leaders and laypeople alike. The architectural innovations associated with the Cistercians were a reflection of their emphasis on practical living spaces that supported spiritual life rather than elaborate decoration.

Explanation and Importance

The founding of the Cistercian Order was driven by monks’ desire to return to the original strictness of the Benedictine rule, emphasizing manual labor and spiritual discipline. The movement’s spread across Europe through daughter houses demonstrated its broad appeal among religious leaders seeking reform. St Bernard of Clairvaux’s influence as a preacher and writer further cemented the Cistercians’ impact on Christian life.

The reforms introduced by the Cistercians had significant consequences for monasticism and ecclesiastical architecture. By emphasizing simplicity, community living, and manual labor, they provided an alternative to the increasingly luxurious practices seen in some other orders. This influence extended beyond monasteries into church organization and helped push the Church towards greater uniformity and regularity.

Comparative Insight

The Cistercian movement can be compared with earlier reform efforts such as those of Cluny Abbey. Like Cluniac reforms, the Cistercians sought to restore discipline within monastic life but did so through stricter adherence to original rules rather than institutional changes. Both movements reflected broader trends towards religious reform in medieval Europe, highlighting the continuous need for renewal and adaptation within ecclesiastical structures.

Extended Analysis

• Architectural Influence: The Cistercian Order’s emphasis on simplicity led to distinctive architectural designs that prioritized functionality over ornamentation.

• Reform Movements: Like Cluny before them, the Cistercians addressed issues of spiritual discipline and monastic rigor but did so through a return to foundational principles rather than institutional expansion.

• Social Impact: The widespread adoption of Cistercian practices by other religious orders contributed to broader changes in church governance and community life.

Quiz

Open Thinking Questions

• How might the practices emphasized by the Cistercian Order have affected daily life in medieval monasteries compared to other orders?
• What broader social or political factors influenced the need for such religious reforms during this period?
• In what ways did the architectural innovations of the Cistercians reflect their spiritual and practical goals?

Conclusion

The founding of the Cistercian Order marked a significant moment in medieval monastic reform, emphasizing strict adherence to Benedictine rules and promoting manual labor and simplicity. Through figures like St Bernard of Clairvaux, the movement had profound impacts on ecclesiastical architecture and church organization, pushing for greater uniformity and discipline within Christian institutions during the twelfth century.