About Us
Lay Cistercians of South Florida
Our Past
Founded in 1998, the Lay Cistercians of South Florida began their journey under the spiritual direction of Fr. Anthony Delisis, OCSO, from the Holy Spirit Monastery, and Sr. Lillian Shank, OCSO. This community maintains an affiliation with the Trappist Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, Georgia.
With over six decades of monastic life, Sr. Lillian brought profound wisdom and spiritual leadership that were instrumental in shaping the community’s early identity. A Trappistine nun, she lived as a hermitess in South Florida, having received permission from Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey in Dubuque, Iowa.
Br. Cassian Russell, who first lived the Lay Cistercian vocation before entering monastic life, continues this vital connection today by serving as the community’s liaison to the Monastery.
Our Present
The community gathers on the second Saturday of each month at Emmanuel Catholic Church in Delray Beach. In addition, members come together annually with other Lay Cistercian communities throughout Florida, fostering wider fellowship and shared formation.
Each gathering begins with morning Mass, followed by the chanting of Lauds. Members then engage in a group discussion centered on a selected chapter from the community readings, with a focus on how its message can be lived out in the Lay Cistercian vocation.
The day continues with the practice of Lectio Divina and the praying of Sext, the midday prayer. In the afternoon, members share a meal, participate in community reflection, and break into small groups. These sessions follow the Holy Spirit Monastery’s educational program, designed to help integrate Cistercian spirituality into everyday life.
As part of their ongoing formation, members also attend an annual retreat at the Monastery.
The Lay Cistercian Movement
The Lay Cistercian movement is a global community formally recognized by the Roman Catholic Church, with more than fifty communities worldwide. This recognition was affirmed by Pope Benedict XVI in a letter to the fifth International Association of Lay Cistercians. Direction and support for the movement are provided by a central steering committee, which includes representatives from French-, Spanish-, and English-speaking regions. The liaison with the O.C.S.O. is Dom Armand Veilleux, former abbot of the Monastery of the Holy Spirit. 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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