Cistercian Nuns of the Valley of Our Lady Monastery
Founded in 1098, the Order of Citeaux is one of the Church's ancient monastic orders. The sources of Cistercian monasticism are the Sacred Scriptures, the Rule of St. Benedict, the traditions of the Desert Fathers, the spirituality of our own 12th century Fathers, and the treasury of lived wisdom handed-on by each succeeding generation of monks and nuns. Our daily life is a balanced alternation between the Divine Office prayed in Latin with Gregorian Chant, lectio divina, and manual labor. Silence, solitude in community, ascetic practices, the cultivation of continual interior prayer, together with the monastic vows of obedience, stability and unceasing conversion, are the means by which we hope to attain to purity of heart, tranquility of mind and spiritual union with God. As a simple, humble and hidden way monastic life is a radical participation in the Paschal Mystery of Christ.
Contact:
Sr. Marie Pierre Sercer O.Cist.
Vocation Directress
E11096 Yanke Drive
Prairie du Sac, WI 53578
vocations@valleyofourlady.org
www.valleyofourlady.org
Professed Members: 18
Year Founded: 1957
Diocese: Madison, WI
Worldwide: 22 countries
Qualifications: Preferably two years college or work experience. Good physical and psychological health. Emotional maturity and stability. Ability to relate well with others. Capacity for solitude and silence. Willingness to surrender one's self to God in all things.
Formation: One year as a postulant and one year as a novice are followed by three years in temporary vows. In-house studies include Latin, Gregorian Chant, Monastic History, the Rule of St. Benedict, Liturgy, Sacraments and Doctrine.
Age range/limit: 21-35
Belated vocations? No.