“Thank you Sts. Robert, Alberic, and Stephen!”

   “Here begin the Usages of Cistercian monks

   It is well known that in the episcopate of Langres there is a monastery, Molesm by name, of the most celebrated renown, and remarkable for monastic observance. From its origin, God’s clemency within a short while made it illustrious by the gifts of his grace, and ennobled it with illustrious men; nor did he render it less ample in possessions than resplendent in virtues.

   Still, because association of possessions with virtues is not usually long-lasting, certain men from that holy congregation – men undoubtedly wise and of deeper understanding – chose rather to be occupied with heavenly pursuits than to be entangled in earthly affairs. So it was that the lovers of the virtues soon enough began thinking upon poverty, fruitful mother of a virile stock, at the same time perceiving that, though one could live there in a holy and respectable manner, this still fell short of their desire and purpose to observe the Rule they had professed. They speak to one another about what is moving each of them and likewise discuss together how they may fulfil that verse, I will pay you my vows, which my lips have uttered.

    After many labors, therefore, and exceedingly great difficulties, which all who will to live in Christ must needs suffer, they at length attained their desire and arrived at Citeaux at that time a place of horror and of vast solitude. But judging that the harshness of the place was not at variance with the strict purpose they had already conceived in mind, the soldiers of Christ held the place as truly prepared for them by God: a place as agreeable as their purpose was dear.

   And so, in the year of the incarnation of the Lord, 1098, relaying on the advice, and strengthened by the authority … they found a desert place and began building it into an abbey….

   This done, and through the solicitude and industry of the new father, the New Monastery in a short while made no little progress – God working withal – in its holy way of life; it shone in popular esteem, it grew in necessary resources….”

– The Exordium Cistercii – 

(Full Text: Exordium Cistercii : Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance: OCSO)