Trappists

The Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, or Trappists, are a Roman Catholic religious order, and follow the Rule of St. Benedict.

Related Topics:
Roman Catholic - Religious order - Rule of St. Benedict

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They are a branch of the Cistercians. The order was founded in 1662 by Armand-Jean Le Bouthillier de Rancé, a converted courtier at La Trappe, in France, hence the name.

Related Topics:
Cistercians - 1662 - Armand-Jean Le Bouthillier de Rancé - Courtier - La Trappe - France

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Although their order's rules imply observance, and in particular abstinence from alcohol, the monks of several Trappist monasteries make a living in producing liquor. Famous examples are in Belgium, where several Trappist monasteries produce famous Trappist beers.

Related Topics:
Alcohol - Monasteries - Liquor - Belgium - Trappist beer

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"Strict Observance" does mean stricter silence, certain situations excepted. Contrary to popular belief, they don't take a vow of silence. http://www.ocso.org/net/faq-eng.htmhttp://www.angelfire.com/nv2/monastic2/Carthusian/NewPage16.html But they are quiet.

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The Trappists received greater attention in recent years on account of the life and writings of Thomas Merton.

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Monasteries include:

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• Marija Zvijezda (Maria Stern) near Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Abbey of Gethsemani near Bardstown, Kentucky, USA
• Chimay, Belgium
• Abbey of the Holy Spirit outside Conyers, Georgia, USA
• Hiji, Hayami District, Oita Prefecture, Japan
• Kamiiso, Hokkaido, Japan
• Trappist Haven Monastery, on Lantau Island, Hong Kong
• Latrun (about 15 kilometers west of Jerusalem), Israel
• Mariawald, Heimbach (Eifel), Germany
• Mepkin Abbey, Moncks Corner, South Carolina, USA
• New Melleray, near Dubuque, Iowa, USA
• Notre-Dame des Neiges, Ardèche, France
• Orval, Belgium
• Abbey of the Genesee, Piffard, New York, USA
• Rochefort, Belgium
• Westmalle, Belgium
• Westvleteren, Belgium