cistercian nuns constitutions

8/18/2019 Cistercian Nuns Constitutions

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CONSTITUTIONS

OF THE NUNS

Statutes modifed, added or suppressedby the General Chapters o 2005

Monks Nuns

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PREFACE

1 The holy abbots Robert of Molesme, Alberic and Stephen Harding gave the Benedictine tradition a particularform when in 1!" they built the #ew Monastery of $%teau&, the Mother of us all, and founded the$istercian 'rder( About 11)*, Saint Stephen established the nuns+ monastery of Tart as $%teau&+s owndaughter-house, entrusted to the pastoral care of the abbot of this monastery( The .&ordium /arvum andThe $harter of $harity e&press the vocation and mission that the founders received from 0od which the

$hurch has authoritatively approved both in their times and in ours( nder the influence of Saint Bernard of $lairvau& and others the ideal of this reform spread and monasteries of mon2s and nuns following the$istercian way of life multiplied even beyond western .urope( 3rom the very beginning the 'rder receivedlay brothers and lay sisters( A substantial spiritual heritage was engendered through the lives and labours of innumerable brothers and sisters that found e&pression in writing, chant, architecture and crafts, and in thes2ilful management of their lands(

2Mon2s and nuns of the 'rder ac2nowledge their indebtedness to the movement that is called the Strict'bservance, which strongly defended certain aspects of the $istercian patrimony in troubled times and,through the labours of Abbot de Ranc4 and the initiatives of 5om Augustine de 6estrange, made it possiblefor these values to be handed on to succeeding generations( 7n 1"!), the three congregations that arosefrom la 8alsainte formed a union that became an autonomous order, the 'rder of Reformed $istercians of 'ur 6ady of 6a Trappe, now named the $istercian 'rder of the Strict 'bservance(

3The desire for an authentic monastic life acting in different ways through the centuries continues to inspirethe mon2s and nuns of the 'rder to wor2 hard to renew their way of life( 7n obedience to the principles of the Second 8atican $ouncil they strive to come to a deeper understanding of their origins and at the sametime show themselves docile to 0od+s action in the present( 7n 1!9! the 0eneral $hapter, by its 5eclarationon $istercian 6ife and Statute on nity and /luralism, reaffirmed the 'rder+s commitment to the Rule of Saint Benedict as its traditional interpretation of the 0ospel and gave guidelines for the faithful observanceof this Rule in the changed conditions of the world( 7n these documents the 0eneral $hapter made adistinction between the orientation and fundamental observances of the Rule, which constitute the$istercian way of life, and those details that can be modified according to local circumstances(

4 This collection of $onstitutions and Statutes is the fruit of the e&perience of those years of renewal( 7t is tobe hoped that they will be an effective means of helping the 'rder to embody the spirit of the Second8atican $ouncil and show itself ever more able to carry out its particular function in the $hurch and in theworld(

Part One

CISTERCIAN PATRIMONY

C. 1 The Tradition of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Oser!ance

The $istercian 'rder of the Strict 'bservance has its origin in that monastic tradition of evangelical life thatfound e&pression in the Rule for Monasteries of Saint Benedict of #ursia( The founders of $%teau& gave thistradition a particular form and the monasteries of the Strict 'bservance strongly defended certain of itsprinciples( 7n 1"!) the three congregations of the Strict 'bservance combined to form a single order, nowcalled the $istercian 'rder of the Strict 'bservance(

C. 2 The Nat"re and P"r#ose of the Order

This 'rder is a monastic institute wholly ordered to contemplation( The nuns dedicate themselves to theworship of 0od in a hidden life within the monastery under the Rule of St Benedict( They lead a monastic

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way of life in solitude and silence, in assiduous prayer and :oyful penitence as defined in these$onstitutions, thus rendering to the divine ma:esty a service that is at once humble and noble(

C. 3 The S#irit of the Order

1The $istercian way of life is cenobitic( $istercian nuns see2 0od and follow $hrist under a rule and anabbess in a stable community that is a school of mutual love( Since all the sisters are of one heart and onemind, they have everything in common( By bearing one another+s burdens they fulfil $hrist+s law,participating in his sufferings in the hope of entering the 2ingdom of heaven(

2The monastery is a school of the 6ord+s service where $hrist is formed in the hearts of the sisters throughthe liturgy, the abbess+s teaching and the fraternal way of life( Through 0od+s ;ord the nuns are trained ina discipline of heart and action to be responsive to the Holy Spirit and so attain purity of heart and acontinual mindfulness of 0od+s presence(

3The nuns follow in the footsteps of those whom, in times past, 0od called into the desert to engage inspiritual warfare( As citi


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Part T%o

T&E MONASTERY' &O(SE&O)* OF +O*

C. $ The )oca, Co--"nit

0athered by the call of 0od the sisters constitute a monastic church or community that is the fundamentalunit of the 'rder(

ST 5.A a.The traditional form of the community is to be autonomous as an abbey. To be declared as such,it must fulfil the conditions defined by the Statute on Foundations (n. 15), in such a way that themonastic observance can be lived in its entirety, according to the Rule of Saint enedict, the!istercian tradition and the "resent !onstitutionsb.#f these conditions are not fulfilled but the community has the necessary criteria to be

autonomous, according to the Statute on Foundations (n. 15) it is a ma$or "riory or a sim"le "riory according to the case. The sim"le "riory continues to have the right to assistance from thefounding house in both "ersonnel and tem"oral goods. c .

% foundation is "art of the founding house and is not autonomous. #ts su"erior remains that ofthe founding house. The conditions for attaining autonomy, li&e those of moving from a sim"le

"riory to the ran& of a ma$or "riory or from a ma$or "riory to that of an abbey, are defined by theStatute on Foundations (cf. n.15

ST 5.B

'nless mentioned otherwise, what is said in the following constitutions regarding the localcommunity is eually valid for an abbey, a ma$or "riory, a sim"le "riory, and a foundation.

C. / Co-#osition of the Co--"nit

The community is composed of sisters who have made profession in it, novices and others who have beenadmitted into the community on probation, and oblates(

ST 6.A %mong the "rofessed mentioned above are includeda.the lay sisters who made their "rofession before the *ecree of 'nification in 1+5-b.etern sisters.

ST 6.B /blates "artici"ate in the life of the community according to the norms of the Statute on /blates

"romulgated by the 0eneral !ha"ter, and according to local customs.

ST 6.C Sisters who come from other monasteries of the /rder to stay for a long "eriod "artici"ate in thelife of the community ece"t for what concerns the conventual cha"ter.

ST 6.D ach community may define, with "rudence, before the civil law of its country, its status and itsmembershi".

C&APTER ONE' The Cistercian 0a of )ife

C. Re",ar Oser!ance

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7n the $istercian 'rder of the Strict 'bservance the way of life is consecration to 0od e&pressed in unionamong the sisters, solitude and silence, in prayer, wor2 and a disciplined life( By a hidden apostolicfruitfulness it causes the mystical body of $hrist to grow(

C. Monastic Consecration

By monastic profession a sister is consecrated to 0od and :oined with the monastic community that receivesher( At this time the consecration received in the sacraments of baptism and confirmation is renewed and

given vitality( The sister binds herself in faithful stability to a sincere conversion of life through readyobedience until death(

C. Stai,it of P,ace

By the vow of stability within her community a sister obliges herself to ma2e constant use of the means of the spiritual craft there, trusting in the providence of 0od who has called her to this place and to this groupof sisters(

C. 15 Conversatio Morum

By the vow of conversatio morum or fidelity to monastic life a sister who, in the simplicity of her heart,see2s 0od by the following of the 0ospel, binds herself to the practice of $istercian discipline( She retainsnothing at all for herself, not even authority over her own body( She renounces the capacity of ac=uiringand possessing goods for herself( 3or the sa2e of the ?ingdom of heaven, she ma2es profession of perfectcontinence and celibacy(

C. 11 Oedience

By the vow of obedience a sister desiring to live under a rule and an abbess promises to fulfil all that lawfulsuperiors command in accordance with these $onstitutions( 7n thus renouncing her own will she follows thee&ample of $hrist who was obedient until death, and commits herself to the school of the 6ord+s service(

C. 12 Monastic C,othin

The characteristic $istercian habit is the white cowl( 0iven at solemn profession it is a sign both of a nun+sconsecration and of the unity of the whole 'rder(

ST 12.A The clothing, which traditionally includes a white robe, a blac& sca"ular and veil with a leatherbelt, can be ada"ted to local conditions.

ST 12.B

Tem"orarily "rofessed and novices wear a white veil, and a cloa& instead of the cowl. Thenovices2 sca"ular is white.

C. 13 Cenoitic )ife

1A nun follows the common life in her monastery( The law of the common life is this@ unity of spirit in thecharity of 0od, the bond of peace in the mutual and unbro2en love of all the sisters, communion in sharingall goods(

ST 13.1.A The common table both e"resses and strengthens the unity of the sisters. For this reason all

have their meals together unless they are ecused for a reasonable cause.

ST 13.1.B #f there are "rivate rooms, their use is determined by the abbess according to local usage. They

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should not be "re$udicial to the common life and always be modest in conformity with !isterciansim"licity. The abbess is "ermitted to visit them.

2The sisters are to bear their infirmities with great patience and to serve one another humbly( They are tosupport by prayer and by other appropriate means those who are wea2, troubled or unwell( The sic2, theaged and the dying are to be surrounded with a care that is attentive and affectionate(

ST 13.2.A

The abbess is to be very careful that the sic& and the aged are loo&ed after with diligence andlove, as if it were !hrist himself. #f "ossible the sisters will assemble for the anointing of the sic&.

3A nun is not allowed to leave the monastery without the consent of the abbess and the consent of the3ather 7mmediate or the Bishop( ;hen there is =uestion of a prolonged absence the norms promulgated bythe Holy See on the enclosure of nuns are followed(

4The abbess, having listened to her council and with the consent of the 3ather 7mmediate or Bishop, maypermit a sister to lead an eremitical life on the property of the monastery( The hermit sister remains underthe authority of the abbess(

C. 14 (nit and P,"rifor-it of the Co--"nit

1The community forms a single body in $hrist( .ach sister is to contribute to the upbuilding of relationswithin the community especially by sharing with others the spiritual gifts she has received by 0od+smanifold grace(

2The e=uilibrium between the ;or2 of 0od, prayer, lectio divina and manual wor2, essential to the $istercianway of life, is determined according to the character, training and age of each( The abbess is to discern and

moderate everything so that each sister may grow in the $istercian vocation(

C. 1$ Reconci,iation %ith +od and %ith the Sisters

1The preservation of unity among the sisters depends on a sincere and mutual effort towards reconciliation(To eliminate thorns of scandal from the community, the sisters are not to prolong the time of anger but,when there is a dispute, to ma2e peace as soon as possible(

ST 15.1.A

#n the s"irit of the 0os"el the sisters are to hel" one another by humble and discreet correction.The community is to establish suitable means of doing this.

2The sisters are to confess their sins each day in prayer to 0od and fre=uently approach the sacrament of reconciliation( The abbess is to facilitate access to the sacrament(

ST 15.2.A The abbess can ma&e "rovision for a communal celebration of "enance as a""ro"riate.

C. 1/ Acti!e Partici#ation of the Sisters

1The sisters have the right and duty to participate fully in the common life, although this participation can bee&ercised in different ways(

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2All the sisters are called to mutual care, mutual co-operation and mutual obedience( All are to be concernedfor the spiritual state of the community, 2nowing that the good


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ST 19.2.A The celebration is to be such that it e"resses the s"irit of the community and leads the sisters tofull "artici"ation.

ST 19.2.B #n "articular cases the abbess may determine the measure in which an individual nun

"artici"ates in the 7iturgy of the 3ours in choir. This is done only after careful eamination of theuestion with the sister herself and having regard to the needs of the community.

ST 19.2.C #n ece"tional cases the %bbot 0eneral may, with the consent of his council, dis"ense acommunity from one or two 7ittle 3ours.

3A sister who was absent from the choral celebration is to ac=uit herself of the Hours according to theinstructions of the abbess(

C. 25 Mindf",ness of +od

By constantly cultivating mindfulness of 0od, the sisters e&tend the ;or2 of 0od throughout the whole day(The abbess is to see to it that each one has ample leisure to give herself to lectio and prayer( 3urthermore,

all should ta2e care that the monastic environment is favourable to silence and =uiet(

ST 20.A ach year all the sisters are to ma&e a retreat of at least si days.

C. 21 Lectio Divina

$areful lectio divina greatly strengthens the sisters+ faith in 0od( This e&cellent monastic practice, by which0od+s ;ord is heard and pondered, is a source of prayer and a school of contemplation, where the nunspea2s heart to heart with 0od( 3or this reason, the sisters are to devote a fitting amount of time each dayto such reading(

ST 21.A Tradition greatly values lectio divina done in common. This is es"ecially recommended during7ent.

ST 21.B The scri"torium is the traditional "lace of lectio divina.

C. 22 &eartfe,t Praer

7n a spirit of compunction and intense desire, nuns devote themselves fre=uently to prayer( ;hile dwellingon earth, their minds are occupied with heavenly things, desiring eternal life with all spiritual longing( May

the Blessed 8irgin Mary who was ta2en up into heaven, the life and sweetness and hope of all earthlypilgrims, never be far from their hearts(

ST 22.A The abbess is to ma&e "rudent "rovision for the time of daily lectio and "rayer for the sisters.

C. 23 Niht 7ii,s

7n the sober anticipation of the coming of $hrist, following the tradition of the 'rder, the hours beforesunrise are appropriately consecrated to 0od by the celebration of 8igils, by prayer and meditation(

ST 23.A The sisters2 hour of rising is so determined that 8igils maintains its nocturnal character.

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C. 24 Si,ence

Silence is counted among the principal monastic values of the 'rder( 7t assures solitude for the nun incommunity( 7t fosters mindfulness of 0od and fraternal communion( 7t opens the mind to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit and favours attentiveness of heart and solitary prayer to 0od( Therefore, at all times butespecially during the hours of night, the sisters are to be


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ST 2!.A For the main meal on %sh 4ednesday and 0ood Friday the sisters are to be content with breadand water or something similar.

ST 2!.B #n accordance with tradition the sisters abstain from meat at all times, ece"t in case ofnecessity.

ST 2!.C #f a sister, moved by 0od2s grace, wishes to underta&e additional fasting, she is to "ro"ose thisto her abbess.

C. 2 Se#aration fro- the 0or,d

1Those who prefer nothing to the love of $hrist ma2e themselves strangers to the actions of the world( 7nthe monastic tradition this involves a certain degree of physical separation( 3or this reason, the monasteryis built so that it completely safeguards the =uiet and solitude of those who reside there(

2The buildings where the nuns live and wor2, e&cluding the portress+s area and the guest house, are boundby the laws of strict enclosure( However, the faithful may have access to the church, especially during thepublic celebration of the liturgy(

37t is for the abbess, with the consent of her council, to fi& the limits of strict enclosure(

4Regarding the e&its of the sisters and the entry of outsiders into the enclosure, the norms of universal laware followed(

$The application of the norms regarding enclosure are the responsibility of the abbess( All the sisters,

however, are to share her concern for observing these norms( 3or this reason they are to be given a carefulformation in this discipline of separation from the world(

/The 3ather 7mmediate, according to $( -*, or the 'rdinary of the /lace is to watch over the observanceof enclosure, which is to be reviewed during the regular visitation(

The abbess is to see that the entry of outsiders does not damage the regular life( Sisters are not permittedto initiate contacts with outsiders without the consent of the abbess(

The norms of universal law are followed in the use of the means of social communication(

C. 35 Rece#tion of +"ests

.very monastery is to continue the tradition of welcoming guests and the needy as $hrist according to localcircumstances( 6et those whom the providence of 0od has led to the monastery be received by the sisterswith reverence and 2indness but without allowing this service to impair monastic =uiet(

ST 30.AThe community is to render assistance to those who come to the monastery loo&ing for dee"er

"rayer.

ST 30.B #n 0od2s "rovidence monasteries are holy "laces not only for those who are of the household ofthe faith but for all "ersons of good will.

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ST 30.C #t is for the community to ma&e arrangements about the manner in which guests are to ta&e "art in the 4or& of 0od.

ST 30.D The relatives of the sisters are to be received with the utmost &indness in a way consonant withthe monastic vocation.

C. 31 A#osto,ate of N"ns

3idelity to the monastic way of life is closely related to


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s"ontaneously the thoughts arising in their hearts. 9evertheless, the abbess should in no wayinduce them to manifest their consciences to her.

4As a s2illed physician, the abbess see2s to cure both her own wounds and those of others, and to bringhealing in the name of $hrist to those hurt by sin( She is to e&ercise great solicitude and to use all her s2illand energy so as not to lose any of the sisters entrusted to her( ;hen the situation warrants it, she calls onthe help of spiritual seniors( Above all, she relies on the prayer of all to cure the infirmities of the sisters(

C. 34 The Aess8s Po%er of +o!ernance

1The abbess is a ma:or superior according to the norms of law( 7n the spirit of the Rule of St Benedict sheen:oys full power in the monastery in both temporal and spiritual matters(

ST 3.1.A The su"erior of a monastery that is still "art of the mother:house has delegated "ower. This shemay sub:delegate.

ST 3.1.B The su"erior ad nutum mentioned in ST ;+.


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37n see2ing advice or consent the abbess or superior may vote, but she is not bound to( Those absent cannotvote by letter or by pro&y( The e&claustrated lac2 both active and passive voice(

ST 36.3.A % sister absent from her monastery for the service of the /rder, health or studies or, inaccordance with !. 1;.=, to lead the eremitical life, &ee"s her active and "assive voice as a

member of the conventual cha"ter. 3owever, conscious of her res"onsibilities, she should be "rudent and $udicious in using or not using this right.

ST 36.3.B ce"t in the cases foreseen in ST ;.;.%, a sister2s active voice is sus"ended if she is absentfrom the monastery for more than si months, even legitimately.a.#f this sister wishes to return definitively to her community the abbess, with the consent of her council and ta&ing into consideration the duration of the absence, can reuire that the sister livein the community for a certain "eriod before resuming the eercise of her voting rights.b.3aving consulted the conventual cha"ter the "resident of an election can restore voting rights toa sister who is resident in the monastery but who has lost them by reason of a "revious absence.

C. 3 Con!ent"a, Cha#ter

The conventual chapter is composed of sisters in solemn vows who have stability in the community togetherwith the superior( All en:oy active and passive voice in its deliberations and acts unless otherwise noted inthe $onstitutions(

ST 37.A The abbess needs the consent of the conventual cha"ter with a two:thirds ma$ority in thefollowing casesa.to admit a nun of the /rder to stability in the community, without "re$udice to the ece"tionmentioned in !. >.b.to im"lement the "lan for a new foundation.c.to raise a foundation into an autonomous monastery.

ST 37.A bisThe titular "rioress also needs the consent of the conventual cha"ter with a two:thirds vote tobegin the "rocess for her "riory to move to a su"erior ran&.

ST 37.B The abbess needs the consent of the conventual cha"ter with an absolute ma$ority in thefollowing casesa.to admit a novice to tem"orary "rofession.

a. bisto allow a sister coming from another community to renew her tem"orary vows.b.to admit a sister to solemn "rofession.c .to "roceed validly in the administrative matters treated in !. ==." .to allow a change of filiation (cf. ST ?;.!).e.to enable a sister in a sim"le "riory to ta&e "art in an election if she has been sim"ly "rofessedfor at least three years.# .to begin the "rocess of a new foundation.

ST 37.C The !onventual !ha"ter must give its consent for a Father #mmediate to inuire into the ca"acity of an abbess and to verify it, and to reuest the %bbot 0eneral to sus"end the abbess from theeercise of her office, in the circumstances foreseen on ST =>..bis.

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C. 3 The Aess8s Co"nci,

The council, composed of some of the members of the conventual chapter, helps the abbess in governingthe community(

ST 3!.A The abbess2s council is com"osed of at least three sisters of whom one or more may be electedby the conventual cha"ter.

ST 3!.B The abbess needs the consent of the council with an absolute ma$ority in the following casesa.to readmit a sister who has lawfully left at the end of the novitiate or after ma&ing "rofessionwithout the obligation of re"eating the novitiate, and to determine the form and duration of thenew "eriod of "robation.b.to determine, in accordance with ST ;.;..a, the length of time a sister who returns to thecommunity is to live there before she can resume the eercise of her voting rights.c .to fi the limits of strict enclosure." .to as& the %bbot 0eneral to oblige a "articular sister to transfer tem"orarily to another

monastery for the sa&e of "eace according to ST >..e.to as& the %bbot 0eneral to "etition the 3oly See to im"ose an eclaustration on a "articularsister.

ST 3!.C The abbess must first hear her council in the following casesa.to admit a "ostulant into the novitiate.b.to name the su"erior of a new foundation.c .to choose the members of a new foundation." .

to give "ermission to a nun to follow an eremitical vocation.e.to eclude a sister in tem"orary vows from ma&ing further "rofession.# .to have recourse to the %bbot 0eneral to see& an indult of dis"ensation from solemn vows. $.to begin the "rocess of dismissal of a nun with solemn or tem"orary vows.

ST 3!.D The abbess acts with her council in ma&ing the declaration of fact that $uridically establishes thedismissal of a nun in accordance with can. +=.< !#!.

C. 3 The E,ection of an Aess

1 ;hen a monastery is without an abbess, the governance is assumed by the prioress( She, however is toma2e no change or to ta2e any important decision e&cept in a grave and urgent situation( 7n that case sheis strictly bound to listen to the conventual chapter and, if possible, the 3ather 7mmediate(

2An abbess is elected by the conventual chapter, acting collegially together with the e&tern sisters who havemade perpetual vows( The 3ather 7mmediate, who presides at the election by right, or his delegate is topromote among the sisters a spirit of faith and discernment so that they may set a worthy administratorover the household of 0od(

ST 39.2.A #n the election that ta&es "lace when a foundation has become an autonomous monastery, andin those held until the community attains the status of a ma$or "riory, with the consent of the

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conventual cha"ter, the tem"orarily "rofessed who have at least three years of "rofession mayvote.

ST 39.2.B #f the welfare of the community reuires it, the Father #mmediate may "ost"one an electionbeyond three months and "ro"ose that the community "ass to the regime of a su"erior adnutum. efore deciding this he should first consult the conventual cha"ter and obtain the consent of the %bbot 0eneral. efore choosing the "erson to be su"erior ad nutum he consults the sistersagain. #f such a regime, which is ece"tional, lasts more than three years, at the time of the0eneral !ha"ter, the Father #mmediate, after having first consulted the community, submits the

case to the 0eneral !ha"ter.

3To be elected abbess a nun must be solemnly "rofessed in the /rder for at least seven years.

ST 39.3.A The one who is elected should be at least ;5 years old.

ST 39.3.B %ny sister who has made "rofession in the /rder can be elected abbess. %et& 'ostu(ation isre)uire" in or"er t*at a nun +*o "oes not bein$ to t*e communit, an" +*o is not its su'erior a" nutum& becomes abbess. -. C. 05 / vote 71. 9either the abbess of any other monastery nor, unless she is a member of the community, a nun councillor of the %bbot 0eneral

can be elected.

4An abbess and a prioress of a ma:or priory are elected for an unrestricted term( #evertheless they can beelected for a fi&ed term according to the conditions laid down by the 0eneral $hapter( The prioress of asimple priory is elected in accordance with the norms of the Statute on 3oundations(

ST 39..A 4hen an absolute ma$ority of the conventual cha"ter chooses, the cha"ter can elect an abbessfor a fied term of si years.

ST 39..B efore an election, the "resident is obliged to inuire of the conventual cha"ter whether it desires

to elect an abbess for a term of si years.

ST 39..C %n abbess elected for a fied term can always be re:elected.

ST 39..D The election is to be held not less than fifteen days after the vacancy and, unless there is a $ustim"ediment, within three months. #n the case of an abbatial mandate for a fied term, theelection is held immediately the mandate ends.

$An absolute ma:ority of votes is re=uired for an election, not counting null votes and abstentions( 7f ama:ority is not obtained on the first or second ballot, further ballots are to be held until it is achieved( 3or

the good of the community, however, and with the consent of the conventual chapter, the president of theelection has the faculty of limiting the number of ballots( A two-thirds ma:ority is re=uired in cases of postulation(

/ The election is confirmed by the Abbot 0eneral( .ach re-election re=uires a new confirmation by the Abbot0eneral(

ST 39.6.A 4hen confirmation has been received the one elected is installed. She receives the abbatialblessing at a convenient time.

ST 39.6.B

The acts of the election are to be sent to the %bbot 0eneral as soon as "ossible.

ST 39.6.C The ritual of the /rder is followed for the election, installation and blessing of an abbess.

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C. 45 Resination fro- Office

3or a :ust cause an abbess may submit her resignation to the 0eneral !ha"ter ( 4hen the 0eneral !ha"ter is not in session, she "resents her resignation to the %bbot 0eneral who acts as vicar of the !ha"ter in thismatter.

ST 0.A %n abbess is to tender her resignation of her own accord when she reaches ?5 years of age.

ST 0.B 4hen an abbess offers her resignation the Father #mmediate is always consulted. !areful inuiryis made, if the matter demands it, into the views of the community. 9eighbouring su"eriors alsoare to be consulted, if a""ro"riate.

ST 0.B.bis#f because of any infirmity, it is im"ossible either "hysically or "sychologically for an abbess toeercise her "astoral function, it is for the Father #mmediate, having consulted e"erts andobtained the consent of the conventual cha"ter, to investigate and verify the matter. #f theim"ossibility is evident he immediately informs the %bbot 0eneral, who with the consent of hiscouncil, can remove the abbess from office.#f the reason is different, such as im"risonment, banishment or eile (cf. !an =1< !#!), it is forthe Father #mmediate, with the consent of the conventual cha"ter, to as& the %bbot 0eneral tosus"end, with the consent of his council, the abbess from the eercise of her office. The Father#mmediate then a""oints a su"erior ad nutum or as&s the conventual cha"ter to choose atem"orary su"erior.

ST 0.C % nun who left the community of her "rofession to eercise the abbatial ministry in anothercommunity of the /rder can, within a year of resigning from office or com"leting her mandate,resume her first stability.

C&APTER T&REE' Te-#ora, Ad-inistration

C. 41 Te-#ora, +oods of the Monaster

1 3idelity to $istercian traditions re=uires that the community+s regular income be mainly the fruit of its ownwor2( .ach sister has the right and duty of serving the community by doing her share of its wor2 accordingto her abilities and within the economic structure of the monastery(

27t is the abbess+s responsibility as the administrator of 0od+s household to ensure that the community+spossession and use of temporal goods is such that provision is made for human needs and, at the same

time, the law of the 0ospel is obeyed( The community is to remain faithful to the $hurch+s teaching onsocial :ustice, and in its business dealings to withhold support from all structures of oppression(

33ollowing a long tradition some part of the monastery+s income is to be allocated for the needs of the$hurch and the support of those in want, as far as this is possible(

C. 42 9"ridica, Stat"s

By law, the 'rder and each of its monasteries are :uridical persons, capable of ac=uiring, possessing,administering and alienating temporal goods(

C. 43 Ordinar Ad-inistration

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1The abbess appoints a cellarer who is responsible for the ordinary administration of the monastery+stemporal affairs( #ormally, apart from the abbess, only she may act validly in the name of the monasterywhen incurring e&penses and in legal matters( The abbess may, however, entrust some business to othersisters, specifying the limits of their authority and their responsibility in financial dealings( All these officialsare accountable to the abbess(

ST 3.1.A The monastery is to &ee" accounts using a system that is locally acce"table. %t regular intervalsthe accounts are to be submitted to the $udgement of a "rofessional.

ST 3.1.B The consent of the abbess is reuired for investing money. #nvestments are to be managed

"rudently. %ny s"eculation is forbidden.

ST 3.1.C #t is not "ermissible in any circumstances for the members of our /rder to grant to third "artiesrights to the use of the titles @7a Tra""e@ or @Tra""ist@ or terms derived from them. They are to use their best efforts, according to their own civil law, to "revent or sto" any usur"ation,imitation or illegal use of these words. They must avoid ceding or conceding for any reason therights to the use as a title, commercial name or trademar&, of any name derived from the title ofthe monastery or containing such words as @abbey@, @mon&@ or @monastery@ and the li&e.

2The monastery is to have a finance committee, with which the abbess regularly reviews the economicsituation of the monastery(

3 Temporal administration is to be e&amined during the regular visitation(

ST 3.3.A The account boo&s of the monastery are to be shown to the visitor who, before he signs them,either eamines them himself or gives them to someone com"etent. #f the visitor "erceives thatthe monastery is in a dangerous economic situation, he notifies the %bbot 0eneral and also, if heis a delegated visitor, the Father #mmediate.

C. 44 E:traordinar Ad-inistration

1 Alienation or any transaction by which the patrimonial condition of the monastery could be adverselyaffected is considered an act of e&traordinary administration( Special permissions are re=uired to performsuch acts validly when the matter involves sums in e&cess of what is fi&ed by law(

2The permission of the Holy See is re=uired for an act of e&traordinary administration if the sum involvede&ceeds that fi&ed by the Holy See for each region, or if it concerns things donated to the monastery in

fulfilment of a vow or that are precious for artistic or historical reasons(

ST .2.A 4hen the "ermission of the 3oly See is needed the consent of the conventual cha"ter and the0eneral !ha"ter should be obtained.

ST .2.B #n an urgent case, the "ermission to be as&ed from the 0eneral !ha"ter may be obtained fromthe %bbot 0eneral with the consent of his council. This "ermission is to be given in writing.

3The 0eneral $hapter determines the sums in e&cess of which special permissions are needed for the validityof acts of e&traordinary administration that are not covered in paragraph )(

ST .3.A The consent of the conventual cha"ter and of the 0eneral !ha"ter is reuired for any transaction

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that eceeds the greater sum fied by the 0eneral !ha"ter, and for the construction ordemolition of buildings if more than this amount is involved.

ST .3.B The consent of the conventual cha"ter is reuired for any transaction that eceeds the lessersum fied by the 0eneral !ha"ter and for giving "ower of attorney in a serious matter.

C&APTER FO(R' For-ation

C. 4$ The Process of For-ation

1 3ormation to $istercian life has for its purpose the restoration of the divine li2eness in the sisters throughthe wor2ing of the Holy Spirit( Aided by the maternal care of the Mother of 0od, the sisters so advance in

the monastic way of life that they progressively attain the full measure of the stature of $hrist(

2 Solitude, continual prayer, humble wor2, voluntary poverty, celibate chastity, and obedience are not humans2ills, and cannot be learned from human beings( #evertheless, the teaching of the abbess, the e&perienceand wisdom of the seniors, and the constant help and e&ample of the community are of great value to thesisters as they pass through the different situations and changes of the spiritual :ourney(

3The role of the community in the process of formation is to help each sister to assimilate the essentialelements of the $istercian way of life( Those in formation, conscious of their responsibility, should activelycollaborate with their formators so that they may faithfully be responsive to the grace of their divinevocation( This formation, which begins at entry and continues throughout life, has many aspects@ human,

doctrinal and spiritual( 7t is to be regarded as an important part of the pastoral responsibility of the abbess(

ST 5.3.A % Ratio #nstitutionis is to be "romulgated for the /rder and ada"ted in all the regions accordingto the different circumstances of each monastery.

ST 5.3.B Aonasteries are to offer generous mutual assistance in ma&ing this formation a reality.

C. 4/ Ad-ission of Sisters

1#ewcomers to monastic life are to be received 2indly, but not easily admitted into the community( Byfre=uent visits to the monastery they become ac=uainted with the members of the community( They aretold about all the hard and difficult things that are to be found on the way to 0od( They are to be receivedas sisters only if they manifest the spiritual attitude needed for monastic life and give evidence of ade=uatematurity and health( ;hen these =ualities are present their desire to embrace this life can be recognised asan indication of 0od+s call and of their intention of truly see2ing 0od with all their heart(

ST 6.1.A The abbess is to determine with the mistress of novices the time that the "ostulants s"end withthe sisters before canonically beginning the novitiate. Bostulants are initiated into the s"iritualdisci"lines of the /rder in a manner a""ro"riate to them at this stage.

2A religious in perpetual vows coming from another institute to enter our 'rder needs the permission of herSupreme Moderator and of the Abbot 0eneral, each with the consent of their council( She does not ma2etemporary profession, but can be admitted to solemn profession after at least three years of probation( Thenorms of universal law are to be observed if she is not admitted( niversal law also defines her canonicalstatus during the time of probation(

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ST 6.2.A The sister first obtains a leave of absence from her institute and lives in the community for atleast si months. %fter that, when the abbess has received the authorisations necessary for thetransfer she admits the sister to "robation for three years, at least two of which are to be s"entwith those in formation. The time of "robation can be "rolonged by the abbess for another threeyears.

ST 6.2.B

For the admission of a member of a secular #nstitute or Society of %"ostolic life, "ermission ofthe 3oly See is reuired, and its instructions are to be followed (!an. C=. 5)

C. 4 The Mistress of No!ices

'ne who is s2illed in winning souls is to be chosen as mistress of novices( She is to be prudent, well formedin the monastic way of life, effective in communicating the wisdom of the 3athers to the :uniors and capableof giving them direction(

ST 7.A The mistress of novices is to be at least ;> years old and solemnly "rofessed in the /rder for atleast two years.

C. 4 Ad-ission to the No!itiate

The abbess is to observe all that is re=uired by law for admission into the novitiate(

ST !.A The abbess is to consult her council before admitting "ostulants into the novitiate.

ST !.B The rite of admission is given in the ritual of the /rder.

C. 4 For-ation of No!ices

1The mistress of novices should lead newcomers to share in the life of the monastic family( She is to instructthem in monastic observances, especially the ;or2 of 0od, lectio divina, prayer and manual wor2( 5uringthe novitiate they are not given offices or wor2 that could impede their formation( All the sisters are tosupport the novices by prayer and e&ample and encourage them to persevere(

ST 9.1.A To facilitate the formation of the novices it is recommended that a s"ecial "art of the monasterybe assigned to them.

ST 9.1.B etween the abbess and the mistress of novices there should eist a sincere and "rofound unityof s"irit, heart and orientation. This is an indis"ensable condition for a genuine formation of thenovices. The abbess and the mistress of novices together determine novitiate "olicy. This ise"lained to the community by the abbess in order to obtain its co:o"eration.

2.ven in the school of love obstacles to full affective maturity can occur( 7t is of great importance that thecommunity provide for the sisters such help as they need to overcome these obstacles( The mistress of novices should constantly discern their characters and their progress and help them to grow in self-2nowledge( ;here appropriate, she should ma2e use of professionals in this field( The formation of novicesshould be entrusted only to wise and suitable sisters(

C. $5 *"ration of the No!itiate

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The novitiate lasts two years( 3or pastoral reasons the abbess can prolong it for a further si& months( 3orthe novitiate to be valid a novice must spend twelve months in the novitiate( 3or absences from themonastery during this time can( 9!(1 $7$ is applicable( 3irst profession can be anticipated but not by morethan fifteen days(

ST 50.A The %bbot 0eneral, having consulted his council, can dis"ense from the second year of novitiate.

C. $1 Ad-ission to Te-#orar Profession

5uring the novitiate care is ta2en to discern whether the novice has grown spiritually through herparticipation in monastic life( 7f she truly see2s 0od, is


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By virtue of solemn profession a sister loses the capacity of ac=uiring and owning goods( 7f she owns goodsor has a right to them, she is bound, before this profession, to distribute them to the poor or dispose of them in some other way in accordance with the norm of can( 99"(-* $7$( This renunciation is to be madebefore solemn profession, as far as possible in a form that is valid in civil law, to ta2e effect from the day of profession( ;hatever comes to her after the renunciation goes to the monastery(

C. $/ So,e-n Profession

1By ma2ing profession of solemn vows a sister gives herself to $hrist in a spirit of faith and commits herself perpetually to lead in her community a way of life in accordance with the Rule of Saint Benedict( The abbessand the sisters are to welcome her warmly into the community, 2nowing they are duty bound to help her byprayer and e&ample, more and more to put on the li2eness of $hrist(

ST 56.1.A The rite for the blessing of a nun is found in the ritual of the /rder.

ST 56.1.B The abbess is to notify the "astor of the "arish in which the newly "rofessed was ba"tised thatthe solemn "rofession has ta&en "lace.

2By solemn profession a sister is definitively incorporated into the 'rder with the rights and duties defined bylaw(

C. $ For-",a of Profession

This is the formula of profession@#, Sister 9..., "romise my stability, my fidelity to the monastic way of life, and obedience until death inaccordance with the Rule of Saint enedict, %bbot. # do this before 0od and all his saints, in this monasteryof 9... of the !istercian /rder of the Strict /bservance, constructed in honour of the lessed and ever8irgin Aary, Aother of 0od, and in the "resence of 9..., abbess of this monastery and *om 9..., Father#mmediate.

C. $ Contin"in For-ation

After solemn profession and throughout their lives, the sisters continue to learn the philosophy of $hrist($ontinuing formation is to be made available to the whole community and to individual sisters according totheir capacity( This formation is always to be based on the Rule of Saint Benedict and the $istercianpatrimony and is to draw from the riches of biblical, patristic, liturgical, theological and spiritual sciences(

ST 5!.A The liturgy, the teaching of the abbess, readings, conferences given to the community and awell:stoc&ed library are means that contribute to the continuing formation of the whole

community. The abbess is to encourage individual sisters to give themselves fully to thisformation according to their gifts, using means com"atible with monastic life.

ST 5!.B Brovision is to be made so that the monastery is not without well:trained teachers who havesufficient time to carry out their tas& effectively.

ST 5!.C The sisters who wor& in the various offices and crafts are to do so "eacefully. The abbess is tosee to it that they are able to acuire useful s&ills as needed.

C&APTER FI7E'Se#aration fro- the Co--"nit and S"##ression of a Monaster

C. $ Pastora, So,icit"de 22


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1 The abbess is to act with pastoral solicitude towards those leaving the monastery( Above all she is to actwith disinterested concern for the welfare of the one who is leaving as well as for that of the wholecommunity(

2Those who leave or are dismissed are not entitled to claim anything from the monastery for servicesrendered( #evertheless, the abbess is to observe the norms of e=uity and evangelical charity towardsmembers who depart(

ST 59.2.A To safeguard the welfare of members who leave or are dismissed, as well as that of thecommunity, the abbess is to have a sound &nowledge of the social legislation of the "lace wherethe monastery is located.

C. /5 Transfer of a sister to another Monaster of the Order

A grave cause is re=uired if a "rofessed sister is to change the monastery of her stability( 3urthermore, theconsent of the abbesses of both monasteries is re=uired and that of the conventual chapter of themonastery that receives her( The consent of the chapter is not re=uired, however, in the case of a nun whohad changed her stability to a foundation when this became autonomous and later returns to the monastery

of her previous profession(

ST /5.A #n the case of a solemn "rofessed, the "resence for one year at least in the newmonastery is re=uired before consent is sought from the conventual chapter( A two-thirdsma:ority is needed( The change of stability is mar2ed by a suitable liturgical ceremony(#n the case of a tem"orary "rofessed, when the vows are to e"ire they will have to be renewed,but this time for the new community. This renewal of vows by the candidate is made with theconsent of the conventual cha"ter. %n absolute ma$ority is needed. % "robationary "eriod of atleast three years in the new monastery is reuired, at the end of which the abbess, if sheconsiders her suitable, with the consent of the conventual cha"ter, admits her to solemn

"rofession.

ST 60.B The %bbot 0eneral can oblige a sister for the sa&e of "eace to transfer tem"orarily to anothermonastery, having heard the sister herself and with due consideration for the community thatreceives her. This is done at the reuest of the abbess and with the consent of the abbess2scouncil and of the Father #mmediate and for not more than five years.

C. /1 Transfer to another Instit"te

7f a nun wishes to transfer to another institute of consecrated life, to a secular institute or to a society of apostolic life the norms of can( 9" and 9"* $7$ are observed(

C. /2 E:c,a"stration

1The granting to nuns of an indult of e&claustration is reserved to the Apostolic See(

ST 62.1.A The %bbot 0eneral with the consent of his council can, for a grave cause, reuest the 3oly See toim"ose eclaustration on a nun, euity and charity being maintained. This is done at the reuestof the abbess and with the consent of the abbess2s council and after consulting the Father#mmediate.

2The eclaustrated nun is released from those obligations that are incom"atible with her new state

of life. 3owever, she remains de"endent on her su"eriors and under their care. She is alsode"endent on the /rdinary of the "lace. She can wear the habit of the /rder, unless it is stated otherwise in the indult, but she loses both active and "assive voice.

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C. /3 *e#art"re of the Te-#orari, Professed

1'ne who, for a grave cause, as2s to leave the monastery during the time of temporary profession canobtain an indult to leave from the Abbot 0eneral with the consent of his council(

2At the end of the period of temporary profession if :ust causes e&ist, the abbess can, after consulting hercouncil, e&clude a sister from ma2ing further profession(

37f a sister in temporary vows contracts a physical or psychological illness the abbess is to observe can(9"!()-C $7$(

C. /4 *e#art"re of the So,e-n, Professed

A nun in solemn vows is not to re=uest an indult to leave e&cept for very grave causes, weighed in thepresence of 0od( She is to give her re=uest to her abbess who is to discuss it with her council and send itwith her comments to the Abbot 0eneral( The Abbot 0eneral is to forward this with his opinion and that of his council to the Holy See(

C. /$ *is-issa,

7n the case of the dismissal of a professed nun, whether in temporary or solemn vows, cann( 9!- $7$are to be followed with regard to causes, procedures and effects( The competent superiors in these casesare the abbess with her council, as Ma:or SuperiorD and the Abbot 0eneral with his council, as suprememoderator(

C. // Read-ission to the Monaster

'ne who had legitimately left the monastery at the end of the novitiate or after her tem"orary or solemnprofession can be readmitted by the abbess with the consent of her council, without the obligation of repeating the novitiate( 7t is for the abbess to determine the form and duration of a new term of probation,according to the norm of universal law and particular circumstances(

ST 66.A To determine the form and duration of a new term of "robation the abbess needs the consent ofher council.

C. / S"##ression of a Monaster

1;hen due to particular and long-standing circumstances a monastery no longer offers any basis for hope of growth, careful consideration should be given to whether it is to be closed( 'nly the 0eneral $hapter, by atwo-thirds ma:ority, can petition the Holy See to suppress an autonomous monastery( A two-thirds ma:orityvote of the conventual chapter is also necessary( A written report is re=uired from the 3ather 7mmediatetogether with his consent, and the bishop of the place is to be consulted(

2;hen the 0eneral $hapter as2s for the suppression of a monastery it names a special commissioncomposed of at least five persons to supervise the process of suppression( 0reat pastoral care is to be givento the nuns of the suppressed house, especially regarding their right to stability in another community of the 'rder( Attention is to be paid to the rights and obligations of all persons and communities involved andto the rights of founders and donors( The civil law of the place will be observed with regard to the disposalof property(

ST /.2.AThe stability of members of a suppressed community is normally made to the founding house andin this case, the conventual chapter of this house does not need to vote to accept it(

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C&APTER SI;' Fo"ndations

C. / Fo"ndations 1 ;hen their number increases, or when they are alerted by some other indication of /rovidence, the sistersare to 2now that this may be an invitation to e&tend monastic life to another place( 6et them e&amine thepossibility of a foundation not only prudently but also boldly and generously, considering whether they wish

to participate in a monastic manner in fulfilling the mission of evangeli


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2Their superiors are united by the bond of solicitude for the welfare of each community(

3They collegially e&ercise this pastoral care, together with supreme authority in the 'rder, when theyassemble for the 0eneral $hapter(

4The same pastoral care is e&ercised, under the guidance of the 0eneral $hapter, through the institutions of filiation and regular visitation, as well as by assemblies of superiors and the various offices by which thewelfare of the whole 'rder is fostered(

C. 2 Cistercian Mon6s and N"ns of the Strict Oser!ance

1$istercian mon2s and nuns of the Strict 'bservance constitute a single 'rder( They participate in handingon the same patrimony( They collaborate and give mutual help in many ways, having due regard to theirhealthy differences and the complementarity of their gifts(

2All that pertains to the integrity of the 'rder+s patrimony and structures, namely $( 1- and C-"*, istreated by both 0eneral $hapters@ Abbots+ and Abbesses+( To change these $onstitutions or $( 1-C1 on the'rder+s liturgy and observances, an affirmative decision of both 0eneral $hapters is re=uired before thematter is submitted to the approbation of the Apostolic See(

ST 2.2.A To ma2e any change in the $onstitutions there is consultation between the $hapter of Abbots and the$hapter of Abbesses before it is submitted to the approbation of the Apostolic See( To change a Statute,consultation of the other $hapter is re=uired(

37t is the responsibility of the Abbot 0eneral as president of both 0eneral $hapters to 2eep the discussionwithin the limits of each $hapter+s competence and to submit the =uestions to be discussed by both

$hapters(

C&APTER ONE' Fi,iation

C. 3 The Character of Fi,iation

7n accordance with the $harter of $harity, $istercian communities are united by the bond of filiation(Traditionally filiation has its :uridic form in the relationship established between a community of nuns andthe monastery of mon2s whose abbot becomes the 3ather 7mmediate of the nuns( /aternity and filiation are

e&pressed through mutual assistance and support(

ST 73.A #t is for both 0eneral !ha"ters to a""rove the naming of a Father #mmediate of a new monastery of nuns, for the time when it becomes autonomous. The communities concerned will have

"reviously given their consent. This a""roval is given when the foundation is acce"ted by the!ha"ter of %bbesses.

ST 73.B 4hen a foundation is raised to an autonomous monastery the abbot who assumed the "aternitybecomes its Father #mmediate.

ST 73.C

%ll changes in filiation must be discussed by the communities involved and both 0eneral !ha"ters(cf. ST ;?..d). #f no agreement is reached, the decision rests with the 0eneral !ha"ter of %bbots.

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C. 4 The Father I--ediate

1The 3ather 7mmediate is to watch over the progress of his daughter houses( ;hile respecting the autonomyof the daughter house he is to help and support the abbess in the e&ercise of her pastoral charge and tofoster concord in the community( 7f he notices there a violation of a precept of the Rule or of the 'rder, heis to try with humility and charity and having consulted the local abbess, to remedy the situation(

ST 7.1.A The abbess needs the consent of the Father #mmediate to as& the %bbot 0eneral to oblige asister to transfer tem"orarily to another monastery.

2;hen the abbatial office is vacant, the 3ather 7mmediate is consulted by the prioress in important matters(He presides at the election of an abbess( 7f necessary he names a superior ad nutum in accordance with the'rder+s law(

ST 7.2.B The Father #mmediate is always consulted when an abbess offers her resignation.

ST 7.2.C

The Father #mmediate needs the consent of the conventual cha"ter to begin the "rocess ofremoval of an abbess from office, and to as& the %bbot 0eneral to sus"end, with the consent ofhis council, an abbess from the eercise of her office, in accordance with ST =>..bis.

3The 3ather 7mmediate presides also at solemn professions( As far as possible he ma2es himself available forconsultation and advice during the regular visitation( He e&amines the accounts of the monastery at thetime of the regular visitation(

ST 7.3.A !hanges in the rights and duties of the Father #mmediate as defined in these !onstitutions aresub$ect to the consent of the 0eneral !ha"ter of %bbots.

C. $ Re",ar 7isitation

1 Aonasteries are visited by the Father #mmediate. The %bbot 0eneral also can visit them. The Father #mmediate will delegate another "erson to ma&e the visitation at least once every si years. eforedelegating an abbot or abbess visitor, the %bbot 0eneral or the Father #mmediate consults the abbess of the monastery to be visited, who in her turn consults her community, when an abbess is delegated.

ST 75.1.A The abbot visitor or the abbess visitor may be accom"anied by another "erson according to the

norms of the Statute on the Regular 8isitation (n.+). This is done after consulting the abbess ofthe monastery to be visited, who in her turn consults her community.

2 The purpose of the regular visitation is to strengthen and supplement the pastoral action of the localabbess, to correct it where necessary, and to motivate the sisters to lead the $istercian life with a renewedspiritual fervour( This re=uires the active co-operation of the community( The visitor is faithfully to observethe precepts of law, the spirit of the $harter of $harity and the norms of the 0eneral $hapter(

ST 75.2.A The delegated visitor can be the su"erior of an autonomous monastery. 3e can also be a formerabbot (titular "rior) or a former abbess (titular "rioress) or a mon& councillor or a nun councillorof the %bbot 0eneral. #n these cases, both the %bbot 0eneral and the Father #mmediate consult

the abbess of the house to be visited, who in her turn consults her community.

ST 75.2.B ach monastery is to be visited at least once every two years.

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ST 75.2.C %fter the visitation the visitor is to send a re"ort to the %bbot 0eneral within two months. %summary of this re"ort is to be given also to the Father #mmediate.

C. / The Cha#,ain of N"ns

1$ommunities of nuns en:oy the ministry of a mon2 of the 'rder who serves as chaplain and confessor( 7naccordance with the norms of cann( *9 and 9C $7$, the 3ather 7mmediate, having consulted the abbessand the nuns should propose to the local 'rdinary as chaplain and ordinary confessor, a mon2 of the 'rderwho has the necessary liturgical and pastoral 2nowledge(

ST 76.1.A This consultation of the community should be re"eated at certain times.

2This priest by virtue of his office en:oys the faculties mentioned in can *99(1 $7$( 7n celebrating the liturgyhe co-operates with the abbess and the community( He does not in any way involve himself in thegovernance of the community(

ST 76.2.A %s far as "ossible the cha"lain maintains contact with his own community or with anothercommunity of mon&s.

C&APTER T0O' Asse-,ies of S"#eriors

C. The +enera, Cha#ter of Aesses

1

At fi&ed times all the abbesses come together( They discuss there the salvation of their own souls and of those committed to them( They ta2e measures regarding the observance of the Holy Rule and of the 'rderwhere there is something that needs to be corrected or added( They foster anew among themselves thebenefit of peace and charity( They devote themselves to maintaining the patrimony of the 'rder andsafeguarding and increasing its unity(

2The supreme authority of the 'rder is e&ercised by all the superiors meeting in their own 0eneral $hapter,according to their proper $onstitutions( The abbesses are competent to legislate for the nuns and to beresponsible for the application of these laws( The ecclesiastical power of governance for the whole 'rderresides in the 0eneral $hapter of Abbots(

ST 77.2.A %ny sister can submit desires or suggestions to the 0eneral !ha"ter. This is done through herabbess, through the regional conference or the regional delegate, or even directly through the

%bbot 0eneral.

ST 77.2.B #t belongs to the 0eneral !ha"ter to ensure that the members of the /rder have the "ossibility of unim"eded recourse to the various instances of a""eal as needed that is to the Father#mmediate, the %bbot 0eneral, the 0eneral !ha"ter of %bbesses, the 0eneral !ha"ter of %bbotsor the 3oly See.

ST 77.2.C /rdinarily the 0eneral !ha"ter is convo&ed once every three years.

C. Those Ta6in Part in the +enera, Cha#ter

The Abbot 0eneral, the superiors of autonomous monasteries and the nuns councillors of the %bbot 0eneral have the obligation of participating in the 0eneral $hapter and voting rights in it( The mon&s councillors of

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the %bbot 0eneral assist at it without voting rights( The $hapter can invite other members of the 'rder andeven give them voting rights(

ST 7!.A The following also can assist at the 0eneral !ha"ter with voting rightsa.su"eriors of foundations, when invited by the abbesses of the founding houses with the consentof the %bbot 0eneral.b.delegates of su"eriors who are unable to ta&e "art.

c .re"resentatives of communities in which the abbatial office is vacant, elected by the conventualcha"ter.

ST 7!.B The following can assist at the 0eneral !ha"ter, but without voting rightsa.delegates of each regional conference.b.e"erts and observers invited by the !entral !ommission.c .the "romoter and vice:"romoter of the 0eneral !ha"ter of %bbots and four other abbots electedby their own !ha"ter, two of whom are to be members of the !entral !ommission." .

those named su"eriors of future foundations.

C. The Co-#etence of the +enera, Cha#ter

7t is for the 0eneral $hapter to approve new foundations or their closing, to incorporate monasteries or topetition the Holy See for their suppression, to elect the Abbot 0eneral as described in $( "C(1 and to accepthis resignation from office( #t is also for the 0eneral !ha"ter, with the !ha"ter of %bbots, according to the!onstitutions, to elect officials of the /rder determined by law, to watch over the manner in which they eercise their office, to acce"t their resignations and if necessary to de"ose them, and to acce"t theresignations of abbesses.

ST 79.A

#t is also for the 0eneral !ha"tera.to decide by a two:thirds ma$ority about changes to be introduced into the !onstitutions,observing ST ?


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C. 5 The Centra, Co--ission of Aesses

.ach 0eneral $hapter elects a commission with the tas2 of preparing the ne&t $hapter( This commission iscalled the $entral $ommission( 7t operates under the presidency of the Abbot 0eneral and according to thenorms established by the 0eneral $hapter(

ST !0.A The !entral !ommission meets once between 0eneral !ha"ters or when the %bbot 0eneral or a

ma$ority of the members considers it necessary.

ST !0.B The following are members of this !ommission with the right to votea.the %bbot 0eneral.b.the Bromotri of the 0eneral !ha"ter.c .the 8ice:"romotri of the 0eneral !ha"ter & an" t*e t*ree ot*ers members o# t*eCoor"inatin$ Commission. -. C. 05 / vote 122 To be revise"

" .su"eriors, elected by the 0eneral !ha"ter, each re"resenting their regional conference, andnominated by it. They may hold this office three times only.

su'eriors& mons or nuns& eac* re'resentin$ t*eir re$iona( con#erence an" e(ecte" b,it. -M 05 / votes !5 an" !6. They may hold this office three times only. To be revise" " bis.

a secon" re'resentative o# t*e t*ree re$iona( con#erences -ASAC / A8MA / M:LA.-M 05 / vote !7 To be revise"

e.the nuns councillors of the %bbot 0eneral.#.others elected by the 0eneral !ha"ter in a "articular instance.

ST !0.C The following assist at the meetings of the !entral !ommission but they do not have votingrights.

a. other "ersons invited by the %bbot 0eneral.

b. the mon&s councillors of the %bbot 0eneral.

ST !0.D #n the absence of the %bbot 0eneral the Bromotri of the 0eneral !ha"ter "resides at themeetings of the !entral !ommission.

ST !0. The !entral !ommission "re"ares the 0eneral !ha"ter by co:ordinating the initiatives comingfrom the regional conferences.

ST !0.8 The !entral !ommission of %bbots and the !entral !ommission of %bbesses can wor& together to

"re"are 0eneral !ha"ters and 0eneral Aeetings of abbots and abbesses.

ST !0. The !entral !ommission can give a "rovisional inter"retation of the decisions of the "revious0eneral !ha"ter of %bbesses.

ST !0.; #n s"ecial cases the !entral !ommission can "ro"ose to the %bbot 0eneral that an etraordinary0eneral !ha"ter be convo&ed.

ST !0.: The !entral !ommission acts collegially by a ma$ority vote in the following cases

a. matters relating to the "re"aration of the following 0eneral !ha"terb. "rovisional inter"retation of the decisions of the "receding 0eneral !ha"ter.c . "ro"osing the convocation of an etraordinary 0eneral !ha"ter to the %bbot 0eneral.

ST !0.


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0eneral, who consults it in the cases mentioned in ST C=.1.!. #n this instance the mon&scouncillors of the %bbot 0eneral en$oy voting rights. D6

C. 1 Reiona, Conferences

The communities of the 'rder are grouped in Regions approved by the 0eneral $hapter( These regionalconferences foster communion and fraternal co-operation within each geographical area and in the 'rder asa whole( Regional conferences can be composed of both mon2s and nuns(

ST !1.A These meetings of su"eriors and delegates are very useful in "re"aring for the !entral!ommission and the 0eneral !ha"ter. #n addition, they "rovide an o""ortunity for discussinguestions of common interest and relevance that may not concern the whole /rder.

ST !1.B ach regional conference is re"resented on the !entral !ommission by a su"erior, mon or nun&e(ecte" b, it -c#. ST !0.B." an" " bis unless it was decided otherwise at the moment of itsa""roval. #t can send a non:su"erior as a delegate to the 0eneral !ha"ter. To be revise"

ST !1.C The relationshi" of the various regional conferences gives rise to a dialogue among the variousnations and "eo"les by which the common "atrimony of the /rder can be more dee"ly

a""reciated.

C&APTER T&REE' The Office of Aot +enera,

C. 2 The Aot +enera,

1Because the Abbot 0eneral is a bond of unity within the 'rder he fosters good relations among thecommunities of both mon2s and nuns and is the watchful guardian of the 'rder+s patrimony, ensuring itsgrowth( Above all he is to be a pastor who promotes the spirit of renewal in communities( He visits the

monasteries sufficiently often, as he :udges best, to be aware of the state of the whole 'rder, and be ableto provide valuable help to individual superiors and communities(

2The Abbot 0eneral convo2es the 0eneral $hapters and presides at them( Assisted by his council, he acts inthe name of both 0eneral $hapters in those matters committed to him by these $hapters or by law, and incases that cannot be deferred(

ST !2.2.A The %bbot 0eneral lives at Rome with the members of his council. 3e is watchful of the monasticdisci"line of those living at the 0eneralate. 3e draws u" for this community an internal statute or ordinance, ada"ted to its "articular situation, and names a su"erior who is accountable to him for its administration.

ST !2.2.B Since the 0eneralate is at the service of the whole /rder, each house should consider itselfbound to su""ly "ersonnel. Su"eriors and communities will readily res"ond to any reuest of the

%bbot 0eneral in this regard.

ST !2.2.C 3e has the res"onsibility for the ordinary tem"oral administration of the /rder and is accountableto the 0eneral !ha"ter for it. 3e acts in the name of the /rder with the 3oly See.

ST !2.2.D The %bbot 0eneral can ma&e the Regular 8isitation at all the monasteries of the /rder either

"ersonally or through a delegate, even though the Regular 8isitation has been made recently bythe Father #mmediate or his delegate.3 3e confirms the elections of abbots and abbesses and acce"ts their resignations, as vicar of the0eneral !ha"ter, when the 0eneral !ha"ter is not in session.

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3e has the "ower to dis"ense in all that "ertains to the "ro"er law of the /rder. 3owever, hedoes not have the "ower to "ass laws.5

3e cannot ma&e decisions about the goods or the "ersons of communities, ece"t as atem"orary measure in case of necessity.6The %bbot 0eneral is understood in law as Su"reme Aoderator of a clerical institute of "ontificalright, according to the norm of the !onstitutions.

C. 3 The E,ection of the Aot +enera,

1The Abbot 0eneral is elected by the 0eneral $hapters of both mon2s and nuns in separate sessions(;hoever obtains an absolute ma:ority in both $hapters is considered to be elected( .lection is for anunrestricted term( $onfirmation is not needed( To be eligible, he must be or have been an abbot in the'rder(

ST !3.1.A The %bbot 0eneral must be at least => years of age.

ST !3.1.B

The %bbot 0eneral &ee"s his stability in his monastery and can eercise all rights there that arecom"atible with his office. 4hen an abbot is elected %bbot 0eneral while still in office, his "osition becomes vacant from the moment of his acce"tance of the new office.

23or his resignation from office to be valid it must be accepted by both 0eneral $hapters(

ST !3.2.A The %bbot 0eneral is to offer his resignation to the 0eneral !ha"ters nearest to his ?5thbirthday.

C. 4 The Co"nci, of the Aot +enera,

1 The Abbot 0eneral is helped in fulfilling his pastoral office by his council D6, which is competent for bothmon2s and nuns in matters defined by law(

ST !.1.A The council of the %bbot 0eneral is made u" of five members. Four members, i.e., two mon&sand two nuns, are nominated by the Regional !onferences, and elected by the two 0eneral!ha"ters together. Their election is confirmed by each of the 0eneral !ha"ters. Their mandatelasts si years, so that two members will be elected at each meeting of the two 0eneral !ha"tersof abbots and abbesses. The fifth member, a mon& or a nun, is chosen for a three year term ateach 0eneral !ha"ter, by the %bbot 0eneral and the four councillors already elected. These

members are chosen for their com"etence and, among other ualities, their o"enness to different cultures. They are to be at least => years old and solemnly "rofessed in the /rder for ten years.

ST !.1.A bis*uring the time of hisEher mandate, the councillor of the %bbot 0eneral loses hisEher "assivevoice in abbatial elections, ece"t in hisEher own community. 3eEShe cannot be a""ointedsu"erior ad nutum ece"t in hisEher own community.

ST !.1.B The members of the %bbot 0eneral2s council are also members of the !entral !ommission that,in session, acts as the "lenary council of the %bbot 0eneral.

ST !.1.C The %bbot 0eneral reuires the consent of his council for the $uridical validity of his acts in thefollowing cases

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a.to a""rove foundations and to "ermit the o"ening of novitiates in foundations.b.to acce"t the resignation from office of an abbess.b.bis

to remove or sus"end an abbess from her office according to ST =>..bis.c .to begin the "rocess of canonical de"osition of an abbess." .to acce"t the resignation of a member of the council and to elect hisEher successor.

e.to give a monastery "ermission for an act of etraordinary administration.# .in an ece"tional case to dis"ense a community from one or two of the 7ittle 3ours of the 4or&of 0od. $.to "ermit a sister "rofessed in solemn vows to transfer to another institute and a religious in

"er"etual vows in another institute to transfer to ours.*.at the reuest of an abbess to as& the 3oly See to im"ose eclaustration on a sister.i .for a grave cause to grant to a tem"orarily "rofessed a dis"ensation from vows. 4.

for serious reasons, to "ermit raising a "riory to a higher ran& (!F. Statute on Foundations, n.1C).

in an urgent case, to "ermit the closing of a foundation (Statute on Foundations, n.)

ST !.1.DThe %bbot 0eneral must consult his council in the following casesa.to dis"ense a novice from the second year of novitiate.b.to name the Bostulator 0eneral who is to "romote the causes of beatification and canonisationentrusted to him by the /rder.c.to forward to the 3oly See the reuest for a nun to be dis"ensed from solemn vows according tothe norms of !. =.".to forward to the 3oly See the reuest of eclaustration for a nun.

ST !.1. #n the case of the dismissal of a nun the %bbot 0eneral "roceeds collegially with his council in weighing the arguments both in su""ort of dismissal and against it. The decision is reached bysecret ballot.

ST !.1.8 The %bbot 0eneral is to communicate the re"orts of regular visitations to the members of hiscouncil.

ST !.1. The %bbot 0eneral and his council determine the share which each monastery contributes to thee"enses of the 0eneralate, bearing in mind the economic situation of the monastery. %

summary of the financial administration of the general curia is given to the 0eneral !ha"ter.

ST !.1.; /ne member of the %bbot 0eneral2s council is elected at each ordinary 0eneral !ha"ter of %bbotsas Brocurator 0eneral. 'nder the authority of the %bbot 0eneral he is to conduct the business ofthe /rder with the 3oly See until the net 0eneral !ha"ter. 3e is to &ee" the %bbot 0eneralinformed on his current business. 3e is not to as& the 3oly See for any faculty or "rivilege for amember of the /rder unless the %bbot 0eneral or at least the "etitioner2s su"erior has givena""roval. The abbesses "artici"ate in this election when their 0eneral !ha"ter meets at the sametime as the 0eneral !ha"ter of %bbots (cf. !. ?+).

ST !.1.: #f the %bbot 0eneral is im"eded, the Brocurator 0eneral ta&es care of current business.

ST !.:.


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C. $ The Aot of C=tea":

The Abbot of $%teau& is to ta2e charge of the 'rder at the death of the Abbot 0eneral( ;ithin three monthshe is to convo2e a meeting of the $entral $ommission of Abbots and the $entral $ommission of Abbesses todecide the time and agenda of the 0eneral $hapters by which a new Abbot 0eneral will be elected(

ST !5.A #n the absence of the %bbot 0eneral, the %bbot of !teau "resides at the 0eneral !ha"ter.

ST !5.B #f because of ill health or for any other reason the %bbot 0eneral is "revented from adeuatelycarrying out the duties of his office, it is for the %bbot of !teau, having consulted e"erts, toinvestigate and find out the truth about his condition. #f the inca"acity is established, he notifiesthe Brocurator 0eneral without delay. 4ith his a""roval and within a month he consults themembers of the !entral !ommission of %bbots and the !entral !ommission of %bbesses aboutwhat is to be done.

ST !5.C #f the office of %bbot of !teau is vacant at this time, the abbot of the most ancient daughterhouse of !teau acts in his "lace.

C. / In the 9o of the &o, S#irit

These are the $onstitutions and Statutes of the $istercian 'rder of the Strict 'bservance( May 0od grantthat by the breath of the /araclete the sisters may observe them in a spirit of fraternal charity and fidelityto the $hurch, and so :oyfully ma2e their way to the fullness of love with the help of the Blessed 8irginMary, the Eueen of $%teau&(

cistercian nuns constitutions

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