About Us
Lay Cistercians of South Florida
Our Past
The Lay Cistercians of South Florida, established in 1998, are affiliated with the Trappist Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, Georgia. The community was founded with guidance from Fr. Anthony Delisis, OCSO, of the Holy Spirit Monastery, and Sr. Lillian Shank, OCSO. Sr. Lillian was a Trappistine with 60 years of experience. She lived as a hermitess in South Florida, with permission from Our Lady of the Mississippi monastery in Dubuque, Iowa. Br. Cassian Russell now serves as the community’s liaison to the Monastery. He became a monk after his time as a Lay Cistercian.
Our Present
Every second Saturday of the month, the community gathers at Emmanuel Catholic Church in Delray Beach. Once a year, there’s a joint gathering with other Lay Cistercian communities across Florida. The day begins with morning Mass followed by chanting Lauds. This is followed by a group discussion on a chapter from the community readings, focusing on its application to the Lay Cistercian journey. Afterward, members practice Lectio Divina and pray Sext, the midday prayer. The afternoon includes lunch, community sharing, and small group sessions. These sessions follow Holy Spirit Monastery’s educational program, designed to integrate Cistercian values into daily life. Members also attend an annual retreat at the Monastery as part of ongoing formation.
The Lay Cistercian Movement
The Lay Cistercian movement is a global community recognized by the Roman Catholic Church. Endorsed by Pope Benedict XVI in a letter to the fifth International Association of Lay Cistercians, the movement now includes fifty communities worldwide. A steering committee, with representatives from French, Spanish, and English-speaking regions, provides guidance. Dom Armand Veilleux, former abbot of the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, acts as the liaison with the O.C.S.O. Learn more about Lay Cistercians here.
Our Formation Program Includes:
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The Rule of St. Benedict
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Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading)
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Liturgy of the Hours
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Annual retreat to the Monastery of the Holy Spirit
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History of the Order
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Writings of the Cistercian Fathers and Mothers (as well as other notable Christian authors)
Read Our Full Statues and Guidelines
If you feel that God is calling you to a life of contemplative prayer, and you would like to be instructed in the Cistercian monastic model, please feel free to contact us and attend a few of our meetings in the morning as a guest.
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