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The Bernardines of Esquermes are an order of Cistercian nuns, part of the larger Cistercian family. We live according to the Rule of St. Benedict, seeking God as a community in a spirit of prayer, simplicity and silence. We take the traditional monastic vows of stability, obedience and conversion of life. Work in education and hospitality has always been an integral part of our life.

"We must know that God regards our purity of heart and tears of compunction, not on many words. Prayer should therefore be short and pure, unless perhaps it is prolonged under the inspiration of divine grace." 

Rule of St. Benedict, Chapter 20

"It is love that impels them to pursue everlasting life; therefore, they are eager to take the narrow road of which the Lord says: Narrow is the path that leads to life (Matt 7:14). they no longer live by their own judgment, giving in into their whims and appetites; rather they walk according to another's decisions and directions, choosing to live in monasteries and to have an abbot over them."

Rule of St. Benedict, Chapter 5

"Indeed so important is silence that permission to speak should seldom be granted even to mature disciples, no matter how good or holy or constructive their talk, because it is written: in a flood of word you will not avoid sins (Prov 10:19) ... Speaking and teaching are the master's task; the disciple is to be silent and listen."

Rule of St. Benedict, Chapter 6