 What is a Cistercian abbey? |
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A Cistercian abbey is an abbey which follows the rule of Saint Benedict (like the Benedictines), but in the spirit of the founders of the monastery at Cîteaux (1098), with a particular emphasis on manual work and isolation. There are Cistercian abbeys for both monks and nuns. The Order of Cîteaux nowadays is divided into Cistercians of the Strict Observance (of the Rule) - also known as Trappists - and Cistercians of the Common Observance.
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| Do monks still live at the Abbey? |
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No, the monks were driven out in 1796 by the French revolutionaries, and the Abbey was sold as a national asset to a builders' merchant. The community was never re-established and the Abbey was dismantled and left as a ruin.
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| Where did the first monks at Villers come from? |
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They came from Clairvaux Abbey, which they had left in 1146. Saint Bernard was then the Abbot of Clairvaux. He is the great figurehead of the Cistercian Order who spread Cistercian reform all over Europe. Throughout its history, Villers has been under the jurisdiction of its “mother abbey”, Clairvaux.
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| What is a father abbot? |
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The abbot is the father of the community. He directs the monks, encourages them and punishes them. In the Middle Ages he was elected, normally for life, by all the monks. The abbot is also an important landowner with large landed estates, and is therefore also a leading political figure.
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| Do services still take place at the Abbey? |
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No. The monks used to meet, apart from at mass, seven times a day and once in the middle of the night to sing the services. Nowadays, mass is still held in the ruins on special occasions, on important feast days (such as the Feast of Saint Bernard).
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| How was the day of a monk organised? |
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Monks divided their time between reading, prayer and work. They were also helped in manual labour in the fields by the lay, or converse, brothers. The day was marked by seven services during the day and one at night, one meal in winter and two in summer, one meeting of the community in the chapter room, work in the fields or inside the surrounding walls, with a siesta in summer. It was all was meant to take place in silence which would assist contemplation.
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| Are dogs allowed into the ruins of the Abbey? |
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All dogs must be kept on a lead.
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| Do the staff speak my language? |
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You will be welcomed most warmly in French, Dutch, English and Italian. Moreover, for your greater comfort during your visit, you will receive an explanatory plan of the Abbey in French, Dutch, English, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Polish and Czech.
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| Can we hold photo sessions (weddings or fashion)? |
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Photographs may be taken of your wedding or other event. Please let us know in advance. P.S.: Wedding ceremonies may not be held in the Abbey ruins.
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| Is it possible to stay at the Abbey? |
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There is no overnight accommodation on site. However, we invite you to consult the list of accommodation available near the Abbey at the entrance desk. We wish you a happy stay!
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