Re-foundation

20th – 21st c.

In 1892, the various monasteries of the Trappist movement met together to give birth to the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, to which the Abbey of Cîteaux belongs today.

In 1898, 8 centuries after its foundation, monks from various monasteries took possession of Cîteaux to give new life to the Cistercian charism. This resumption caused much stress: the buildings were unsuitable, brothers coming from different communities had to learn to become one, poverty was great, and, during the First World War, the monastery became a hospital.

L’exode des cochons après l’incendie - Frère Marc (février 1956) - Photos frère Eloi
Frère Marcel Lebeau, berger au pré des mirabelliers (1948)
Frère Jean-Marie dans la cave d’affinage dans l’église (1960)
Frère Jean-Marie dans le poulailler (1954)
Frère Jérôme trait à la main (1950)
Frère Mathieu à la charrue (1950)
Frère Étienne Deroche décharge une remorque de foin (1955)
Frère Mathieu moissonne entre les deux rivières (1953)
Frère Louis sur la faneuse (1955)
Frère Mathieu à l’andaineuse (1950-60)
Frère Paul soigne les cactées (1953)
Frère Placide et Frère Éloi : fabrication du cidre (1949)
Frère Grégoire Jarosson et un novice décharge des caisses de raisins (1948-56)
Les jumeaux frère Michel et frère François font les caramels (1945)
Frère Bénigne et frère Denis à l’atelier de soudure (1947)
Frère Luc à la menuiserie (1947)
Frère Denis à la forge (1947)
Frère Pie et frère Marcel aux ateliers Saint-Bernard (1958-60)
Frère Camille et frère Abel font le lattage du hangar à bois (1955)
Frère Camille aux commandes de sa grue (1951)
Départ au travail. En tête, frère Edmond (1950)
Frère Francis fait le pain
Frère Pierre rase un frère (1946)
Frère Éloi et frère Pie aux ateliers Saint-Robert(1947)

Setting up the business of cheese production dates from this period. The abbey experienced a significant spiritual renewal under the abbacy of Dom Godefroid Bélorgey (1933-1952): vocations flowed in and the economy stabilized. The years following the Council saw some important changes: the abbot of Cîteaux was no longer the abbot general of the Order, the former distinction between choir monks and lay brothers disappeared, the liturgy was reformed, and the spiritual value of the early Cistercian writings, still relevant today, was rediscovered.

In 1998, the celebration of the 9th centenary of the foundation of Cîteaux was marked by the renovation of the church and by a great assembly of monks and nuns: the large Cistercian family was happy to find itself in the process of a “Cistercian Pentecost.”

Letter of John-Paul II to the members of the Cistercian family

on the occasion of the 9th centenary of the foundation of the Abbey of Cîteaux.

9e centenaire de la fondation de Cîteaux
Abbaye de Molesme : départ des reliques de Robert, fondateur de l’abbaye de Cîteaux
Abbaye de Fontenay
Procession à travers les vignes
Arrivée des reliques à Cîteaux

For some years, the community of Cîteaux has worked on a foundation in Norway. September 14, 2009, monastic life began in a modest establishment at Munkeby, in the diocese of Trondheim.