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Introduction |
Purpose of the Plan |
Cistercian Spirituality
Elements of the Plan |
Conclusion
introduction
In spite of what may seem to be the contrary, there is a deep
interest and need expressed by a growing number of persons in our
contemporary society to live their lives in a more authentic
Christian manner. The desire for authentic Christian living leads
them to heed an inner call to adopt a contemplative spirituality and
lifestyle.
Many of the psychological and social forces in our consumer
society present a distraction for those who seek a deeper meaning in
their life experience. The search for meaning and authenticity in
one's life leads a person on a faith journey to the discovery of his
or her true self, and to a deeper level of insight regarding the
meaning of human existence. It can also lead one to a renewed
relationship with God, the source of our existence, with the Christ,
who reveals our God, and with all of humanity, with whom we share
God's spirit, the spirit of God within us.
Throughout the ages Christian tradition has gifted us with
persons who have given us a variety of approaches to spiritual
growth. The process of monastic renewal that began at the end of the
eleventh century and continued through the twelfth century resulted
in the founding of the Order of Cistercians, with its characteristic
spirituality of monastic simplicity of prayer and living.
The writings of Bernard of Clairvaux, William of St. Thiery, and
Aelred of Rievaulx, for instance, gave expression and impetus to the
development of a Cistercian form of Christian spirituality. This was
an attempt to return to the original simplicity of life and prayer
that Benedict of Nursia had envisioned in his rule for monks.
Contemporary Western society has been affected by extremes of
materialism and individualism that was similarly characteristic of
the twelfth century. Like the twelfth century the later half of the
twentieth century began a time of religious and spiritual renewal.
This spirit of renewal in our time has been given much thrust by the
reforms of the Second Vatican Council.
The development of a personal spirituality for laypersons had been
neglected during periods of Christian history. Religious literature
treating such subjects as methods of prayer and elements of
spiritual growth, for instance, was mostly directed to clergy and to
members of religious institutes. Bonding between laypersons and
religious communities has emerged as a result of new emphasis on
spiritual development for all members of Christian communions.
Traditional third order and oblate programs have expanded to include
a growing number of associate programs connected to religious and
monastic communities. This is based on a sense of sharing elements
of spiritual growth while maintaining distinctive lifestyles.
Lay Cistercians of Gethsemani Abbey is one such associate program
of Christian women and men that formed in the late 1980s as
Cistercian Lay Contemplatives. It provided a network of support for
those who desire to integrate elements of Cistercian spirituality in
their lives. LCG was formed as a result of a dialogue among like
minded individuals who were connected by a monk of the Abbey of
Gethsemani in Kentucky U.S.A. LCG has evolved into a more structured
association with a defined discernment/formation and is now known as
Lay Cistercians of Gethsemani Abbey. LCG has an informal
relationship with the Abbey.
The founding group of LCG members composed the following Plan of
Life as a rule or guide for integrating Cistercian values and
spiritual practices for its members.
Go on to the
Purpose of the Plan
Contact information:
E-mail: info@laycisterciansofgethsemani.org
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