At table not only should
the monks take food, but their ears should draw their fill
of the Word of God. No one should concentrate entirely
on eating, but such attention should be given to the Word
of God that only the mouth takes food while the ears take
the Word. If one receives less nutritious food than others,
then one’s joy should be greater. Those who bear privation
with zeal are truly blessed. [Arnulph of Bohéries, Speculum
Monachorum
(A Mirror for Monks)
Patrologia Latina 184, col. 1175.]
Mealtimes were not an excuse for frivolity or
light-relief and the monks were expected to eat quickly. Meals lasted
for about half an hour and concluded with a thanksgiving; the whole
community proceeded to the church for grace although if a distinguished
visitor was present this might be postponed, out of respect.(3)
It is important to note that the monastic refectory was reserved
for the monks and visiting Cistercians. The lay-brothers dined
in their own refectory in the western range and outsiders ate in
the guesthouse with the abbot. Novices may
have dined in their own quarters in the undercroft of the monks’ dormitory
where, under the tutelage of the novice-master, they were schooled
in Cistercian customs.
