Main Stream: Cistercians

The charism of the Cistercian nuns is rooted in a contemplative monastic vocation, deeply shaped by the Rule of St. Benedict and the reform of the Strict Observance. Their life is oriented toward seeking union with God through a rhythm of prayer, silence, and work within the enclosure of the monastery. They live in community under an abbess, sharing everything in common as an expression of mutual love and fidelity to Christ, and strive to make their entire life—liturgical prayer, lectio divina, manual labor, and hospitality—a continuous offering of worship to God. This hidden life of solitude and praise is intended to be a source of spiritual fruitfulness for the Church and world, even though much of their apostolate remains unseen.

The Cistercian tradition began in 1098 at Cîteaux, France, as a renewal movement within the Benedictine monastic family, embracing a return to simplicity and fidelity to the Rule of St. Benedict. Female Cistercian communities emerged early in the 12th century, with the first women’s monastery established at Tart. Over time, various reforms and historical developments shaped the character of Cistercian life. In the 17th century, the reform at La Trappe gave rise to the Strict Observance movement, which later became canonically recognized as the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (OCSO) by the late 19th century. Today OCSO communities of nuns live worldwide, dedicated to contemplative life in cloistered abbeys or priories, continuing a tradition that embraces monastic prayer, simplicity, and communal dedication to God.

Community Email: cisterbute@gmail.com Mailing Address: P.O. Box 660, Masaka, Uganda