medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
I have always understood that one of the reforms insituted by Bernard of
Clairvaux was that Cistercian novices were obliged (unlike the Benedictines)
to complete a novitiate of a full 12 months before taking their vows.
(1) Were there any (known) exceptions to this ? I am asking about the period
of Bernard's life time (to 1153) and the decade or so after, say
c.1130-1170.
In particular, was any indulgence given to older novices - what we might
call "mature entrants", ie someone who had come to the Cistercian Order late
in life (ad succurendum) or from a senior secular position such as a bishop
or a Cathedral Canon ?
(2) Secondly, are there any known instances of a Cistercian novice serving
his novitiate in two different Houses ? ie the year being divided between,
say, a monastery close to his home and the other where he eventually took
his vows and became a member of the Community.
Obviously I have a specific situation in mind, but I would rather not clog a
general question with distracting details.
I know we have one or two Cistercians on the List, so perhaps they could
answer me from the "inside" as it were.
Brenda
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