Serious reading and study help us to penetrate more deeply into the mystery of Christ and of the Church.  We grow in wisdom and in a common understanding of our vocation by deepening our knowledge of holy Scripture, the Rule of St Benedict, and monastic spirituality.  A real knowledge of the contemporary teaching of the Church, as well as the spiritual heritage of our Cistercian forebears and of the early Church Fathers, stretches our minds, helps us to welcome the revelation of God, and promotes growth in wisdom and grace.