Welcome, this is the Cistercian Province of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary
Welcome to the website of the Cistercian Province of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Our Order places itself within the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church is a member of the Communion of International Catholic Churches and is self governing.
Our Cistercian roots date back to the eleventh century. We have done our best to capture the Cistercian charisma in all that we do, especially in our love of solitude, contemplation, work, prayer, and study as well as living under the Rule of St. Benedict. Our order acknowledges the vows of Conversion, Stability, and Obedience.
Our beloved Order allows for much flexibility in exercising the Cistercian charisma, which is the reason why we define ourselves as living under a Common Observance. This flexibility however does not undermine the profoundness of our faith and faith its expressions.
Some unique aspects of the Order of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary are:
1. First order monks are single and live a celibate life and can be either living in a community or as a hermit.
2. Monks live preferably in a monastery, but when this is not possible, they may live outside a monastery.
3. Monks will –in agreement with their abbot- perform various types of ministerial works, such as works of charity, pastoral ministry, and mission work.
4. Both priests and deacons of the Order may have the choice of marriage. When the priests or deacons are not married, they will lead a celibate life and lifestyle. When they are married they can become third order members.
5. Christian men and women from all denominations may participate as third order Oblates.
The Holy Spirit has always called men and women who are married or single, to the life we are describing. These individuals are largely unattached to a formal institution, although they may prefer otherwise. They encounter obstacles on the road, because there are not many institutions that offer oversight and guidance. It is our desire to support, educate, and validate all these people of faith in their journey.
Our purposes are:
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To seek perfection in our temporary lives through Contemplation, Work, Prayer, Stability, Obedience and constant conversion.
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To praise and worship God daily whether it is alone or in community, and to recite daily the Office of the Hours.
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To produce educational material for use within the order as well as to the benefit of the whole catholic church of Christ.
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To host retreats, seminaries and courses and maintain retreat houses for this purpose.
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To found autonomous religious communities in the world, where the need is observed.
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To intercede in prayer for all those, who are in need and also, for peace in the world.
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To perform works of charity, pastoral ministry, and mission.
We sincerely hope that these pages will help you to better define and respond to God’s call. If we can be of assistance and serve you in this regard you are welcome to contact our office. We will gladly receive your application.