The monk’s day centred on prayer (the Divine
Office), reading
and manual work. This was a very hard and disciplined way of life.
The monks were expected to obey their abbot, to observe silence,
and to follow a strict diet. Most of their time was spent within
the claustral area.
Did monks ever complain about the rigorous life
or try to run away from their monastery?
Yes, many novices and monks found the Cistercian life difficult and some
decided to leave. Indeed when St Waldef joined the Cistercians he found
the food tasteless, the clothing scratchy and the tasks burdensome, and
debated leaving and returning to the Augustinian Canons. However, he persevered
and became abbot of Melrose.
