The Split of the 12th Century: Cistercians Break Ties with the Custodians
Published: August 5, 2011
The Order of Cistercians and Their Disavowal of the Custodians
In the early 12th century, the Order of Cistercians, known for their dedication to a strict interpretation of the Rule of St. Benedict, made a momentous decision that would shape their history and legacy. This decision was the formal break with the Custodians, a secretive organization that had gained significant influence within both the Church and the political spheres of Europe.
Saint Benedict, one of the most influential saint of christianity.
The Custodians were known for their clandestine methods, using manipulation and covert operations to amass power and influence throughout the continent. While both groups initially shared the goal of spiritual enlightenment and the preservation of sacred knowledge, the Cistercians grew increasingly uncomfortable with the Custodians' morally ambiguous tactics. The Cistercians, valuing purity, simplicity, and a life of austerity, could not reconcile these methods with their spiritual ideals. By the mid-12th century, the Cistercians formally severed ties, choosing to pursue a path of piety and devotion that eschewed political entanglements and hidden agendas.
A Brief History of the Cistercians
The Cistercian Order was founded in 1098 by a group of monks led by Robert of Molesme who sought to reform the Benedictine monastic practices that had become lax over time. They established their first monastery at Cîteaux, in Burgundy, France, from which the order derived its name. The Cistercians emphasized manual labor, self-sufficiency, and a return to the literal observance of the Rule of St. Benedict, which dictated a life of prayer, work, and study.
The order quickly grew, spreading across Europe and establishing numerous monasteries known for their distinctive architecture, often simple and unadorned, reflecting the Cistercians' commitment to humility and austerity. Their influence peaked in the 12th and 13th centuries, partly due to the leadership of notable figures like St. Bernard of Clairvaux, who played a key role in promoting the order and its spiritual ideals.
Rein abbey, Austria, the oldest Cistercian monastery in the worls.
Today, the Cistercian Order remains active, continuing to uphold the principles of simplicity, work, and prayer that have defined their way of life for nearly a thousand years. Their decision to break from the Custodians is seen as a defining moment in their history, symbolizing their commitment to spiritual integrity over the pursuit of power.
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