The Cistercian Way

A sketch of the unique tradition of the 'white monks' as they have sought ’men and women alike’ to leave all things to follow the Gospel.

The paths leading to the monastery are diverse. But one day they will all converge and form a singe Way, meeting in him who said, "I am the Way", and "No one can come to the Father but me". The Christian who becomes a monk is seeking no other way than this. What he makes his own is what he has seen and heard in the words and deeds of Jesus. As Saint Benedict said in the Prologue to this Rule [for Monasteries], "Let us set out on this way with the Gospel for our guide...". In saying this, saint Benedict is saying no more than Saint John, who said, "We must live the same kind of life that Christ lived".

André Louf, OCSO, (1929-2010), served as abbot of the Cistercian Abbey of Mont-des-Cats for thirty-five years until his retirement in 1997. His books in English include The Cistercian Way, Tuning in to Grace, Mercy in Weakness, Grace Can Do More, and The Way of Humility, all published by Cistercian Publications.