OCSO General Chapter 2014

Every three years, the Order of the Cistercians of the Strict Observance (the OCSO, commonly known as the Trappist Order) meets for its General Chapter. Abbots and abbesses from all over the world gather to discuss the business of the Order. The state of each abbey is reviewed and decisions are made regarding legislation, among other things. This year’s Chapter took place once again this in the sacred atmosphere of Assisi at the Domus Pacis Hotel and Conference Centre and blessed by the spirit of Saints Francis and Clare.

Abbess of Glencairn Abbey also a moderator at this year’s Chapter was Mother Marie Fahy. Sr Eleanor Campion of Glencairn was coordinator of the secretariat and Sr Sarah also of Glencairn was delegate for our Region of the Isles.

The General Chapter was instituted from the very beginning of the Order, in the early 12th century. It remains the main authority of the Order. This year’s Chapter is historic in that it is the first chapter in the history of the Order which has combined its male and female branches into a single Chapter with a single voice.

You can view a short video of our time together made by Fr Lawrence Mowray of Gethsemani Abbey, U.S.A. at the following link:

The wonderful flute music was improvised especially for this video by Mother Marie Gratia, abbess of the community of Maria Frieden in Germany. We thank her for her contribution, not only to this video, but to the liturgy of the entire Chapter.

Photo: At this year’s General Chapter, in this picture: Dom Mark of Nunraw, Dom Joseph of Snowmass, Mother Rebekka of Klaarland, Mother Marie of Glencairn, Dom Bernardus of Tillburg
See more photos in our Events Gallery