Our Worldwide Communities
Unity in Diversity
Curacao, Suriname, Venezuela
In Curacao there is currently one small community, consisting of two professed members, four members in formation and 26 oblates.
Venezuela has suffered much under the political situation. The community in Venezuela has diminished strongly. We have the presence of one brother (deacon) in Venezuela, who assists the people spiritually in the difficult situation the country is going through. He is also assisted by A bishop and a priest, who are third order members (Oblates).
In Suriname we have a Prior, who is Brother Stephen Benedict and one other brother. The house in Suriname is a separate house, offspring of the House in Curacao.
In all we serve a flock of about 400 in these areas of the world.
USA & Argentina
Up and until early 2014 the Cistercian Order of the Holy Cross COHC was based in Columbus, OH, where Abbot Robert Thomas was leading the Saint Columba Monastery.
In 2014 Abbot Robert Thomas moved to Ocala where he first served as Abbot General and now as Emeritus Abbot General. He also functions as Secretary to the College of Abbots and Bishops.
Abbot Robert Thomas is looking to start a community of independently living members in the USA.
One of the new countries that is developing a new community is Argentina. Bishop Carlos Zalazar is on the move to respond to his calling.
Colombia & Nigeria
In 2011 the first seeds were planted in Bogotá, Colombia. It has been very difficult to legally establish religious communities and parishes in Colombia. However we are thankful to GOD for the starting Community based in Soacha. We are now starting with a new community and we hope you can join us.
In Nigeria we also recently started a new community that meets every week through conference call with the Abbot General.
The Cistercian Order of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary hopes to be able to welcome these two new communities at the General Chapter meeting to be held in Curacao on July 10 and 11 of 2019
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Costa Rica
As of 2016 there is a new community starting off in Costa Rica under the guidance of the independent Bishop Largaespada, who has shown interest in joining the order with his community. He is a consecrated bishop.
Also another Bishop in the Dominican Republic is trying to set up a new community since 2017.
The Cistercian Order of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary hopes to be able to welcome these new communities at the General Chapter meeting to be held in Curacao on July 10 and 11 of 2019