Cistercians

Cistercians, a monastic order founded by Abbot Robert in 1098 at Coteaux (Cistercium) near Dijon. The order followed the rule of St. Benedict, and being exempt from episcopal control formed an ecclesiastical republic. St. Bernard of Clairvaux almost refounded the order, to which belonged the Feuillants of France and the nuns of Port Royal. The Trappists are an offshoot of it. The habit is white with black scapular, and a large white surplice with hood is used in ministrations.