What is an abbot ? The abbot is the superior of the monastery. Usually he is a member of the community, elected by the brethren to carry responsibility for the common life. He looks after the spiritual welfare of each brother, and further attends to the material needs of the community.

What is an abbey ? The abbey (or monastery) is where the abbot and community live. It is made up of several buildings, such as church, cloister, chapter house, refectory etc. Around the monastery there is a wall marking the monks’ enclosure.

What is the Angelus ? The Angelus is a prayer which we recite three times a day, at morning, noon, and night. It commemorates the incarnation of the Word of God in the womb of the Virgin Mary, which took place when the angel (Latin: ‘angelus’) Gabriel was sent to her from God.

What is a Benedictine ? A Benedictine is a monk or nun who lives according to the Rule of Saint Benedict († 547).

What is a cell ? A cell is the room in which the monk studies, meditates, prays, and sleeps.

What is a Chapter House? The Chapter House is the place in which the community gathers every day to receive the abbot’s spiritual teaching and various items of news. Its name derives from the fact that it is in many monasteries the place in which the daily chapter from the monastic Rule is read and commented on by the abbot.

What is a Cistercian ? A Cistercian is a monk or nun belonging to the Order of Cîteaux. The abbey of Cîteaux was founded in 1098 by a group of Benedictine monks from Molesmes in Burgundy.

What is a cloister ? At the heart of the complex of monastic buildings there is a square courtyard known as the cloister garth. The cloister is the gallery that surrounds it, connecting the church, chapter house, refectory, library etc.

Who are the 'community' ? The community is made up of the totality of monks who live together.

What is Compline ? Compline is the last of our daily round of prayer services, bringing the day to completion.