The Cistercians. Part Nine.

Text is from Wikipedia - the free encyclopaedia,
unless otherwise stated.

English: The Choir of Casamari Abbey, Italy.

Italiano: Il coro dell'Abbazia di Casamari (Veroli, Frosinone, Italia).

Photo: 1 April 2007.

Source: Own work.

Author: Beatrice.

(Wikimedia Commons)

The 12th-Century saw a period of long decline for Casamari Abbey in Italy. Due to severe financial crises, the Region underwent great instability. In the Religious realm, the Church was suffering from the contending Rules of Anti-Pope Anacletus II and Pope Innocent II. During this period, one of the major Religious Figures of the day, Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, promoted The Cistercian Reforms of Monasticism as the best way to ensure fidelity of life and obedience to The Church.

He himself arranged the incorporation of Casamari Abbey into the new Order,

officially listing it in The Cistercian Directory as the twenty-ninth Foundation of Citeaux.

Many Cistercian Monasteries produce goods, such as cheese, bread and other foodstuffs. Many Monasteries in Belgium and the Netherlands, such as Orval Abbey, Westvleteren Abbey and Westmalle Abbey, brew beer, both for the Monks and for sale to the general public. Trappist beers contain residual sugars and living yeast, and, unlike conventional beers, will improve with age. These have become quite famous and are considered by many beer critics to be among the finest in the world.

Cistercian College, Roscrea, Ireland.

Photo: 10 February 2005. Taken by Tom Smyth.

Source: Own work.

Author: Legend1981.

The School was built in 1905 from locally-quarried limestone.

Cistercian College, Roscrea, a boys' Boarding Secondary/High School, in Ireland,

is the only Trappist School left in the World, and one of only two

remaining Monastic Secondary Schools in Ireland.

(Wikipedia)

In the United States, many Cistercian Monasteries support themselves through agriculture, forestry and rental of farmland. The Cistercian Abbey of Our Lady of Spring Bank, in Sparta, Wisconsin, from 2001 to 2011, supported itself with a group called "Laser Monks", which provided Laser Toner and Ink Jet Cartridges, as well as items such as Gourmet Coffees and all-natural Dog Treats. The Monks of New Melleray Abbey, rural Peosta, Iowa, produce Caskets, for both themselves and sale to the public.

Additionally, the Cistercian Monks of Our Lady of Dallas Monastery, run The Cistercian Preparatory School, a Catholic school for boys in Irving, Texas. Cistercian College, Roscrea, a boys' Boarding Secondary/High School, in Ireland, is the only Trappist School left in the World, and one of only two remaining Monastic Secondary Schools in Ireland.

English: Picture taken by Peter Van Osta of the entrance

of The Trappist Abbey 

of Westmalle (Malle), Belgium.

Nederlands: Barokke toegangspoort van een patriciërshuis uit Antwerpen,

overgebracht naar Westmalle in 1840 en geplaatst in 1907.

Date: 18 February 2007 (original upload date).

Source: Transferred from en.wikipedia;

Transfer was stated to be made by User:YukioSanjo.

Author: Pvosta at en.wikipedia

(Wikimedia Commons)

Westmalle Trappist Beer.

Photo: 12 February 2008.

Source: Own work.

Author: Arnaud 25.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Westmalle Brewery (Brouwerij der Trappisten van Westmalle) is a Belgian Trappist Brewery,

located in The Trappist Abbey of Westmalle. It produces three beers, which are designated

Trappist Beer, because they follow the rules of the International Trappist Association.

The brand "Westmalle Tripel" has been much copied, and is credited with being

the first golden Strong Pale Ale to use the term "Tripel".

THIS CONCLUDES THE ARTICLE ON THE CISTERCIANS.