Cistercian Family Day

FR  ES

Tuesday, 16 September 2025 was a special day where the General Chapter welcomed the superior generals of ‘the Cistercian Family’:
D. Mauro-Giuseppe Lepori – Abbot General of Cistercian Order,
M. Elizabeth Mary – Prioress General of the Bernardines of Esquermes,
M. Noella – Prioress General of the Bernardines of Oudenaarde,
M. Myriam – Delegate of the Abbess President of the Cistercian Congregation of St. Bernard (CCSB).


This coming together was a sign of communion of all who are touched by Cistercian charism.  We all share and belong to the one charism despite living it in unique ways – just like the multi-facets of the one diamond.

In the morning session, the superiors shared about one aspect of Cistercian charism that can be a sign of hope in today’s world.  Dom Lepori’s conference invited us to rediscover the most powerful breath of Cistercian charism in the depths of the silence of Christ in his Passion.  We are called ‘to embody together the sign of silence, which in the midst of noise, hatred and lies, listens to and proclaims the breath of the sweet love of the Lamb slain and alive.’  Mother Elizabeth Mary then spoke on the spirit of welcome, rooted in Christ and nourished by the fruit of vow of stability.  While Mother Noella testified how poverty, fragility is the very place where the Lord truly acts. 


In the afternoon session, there was a lively ‘Round Table Discussion’ in which the Regional Delegates actively participated in asking questions to the superior generals.

Finally, in the evening, real round tables were set for the Gaudeum Supper in the garden, where all enjoyed a convivial supper!

 

 




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