The procedure at mealtimes

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Artist's impression of a monk signing at dinner
© Cistercians in Yorkshire
<click to enlarge>

The monks did not wear their cowls in the refectory and ate in silence, communicating essential information by making signs with their fingers and hands.

Read more about sign language

Those who did not observe silence were punished.(9) The only voice to be heard was that of the reader, who stood in a pulpit and edified the monks with readings from the Bible or another holy book, for it was intended that the monks should feed their minds as well as their bodies during meals. Whilst nothing remains of the pulpit at Roche its position in the west wall is known from the thickening of the wall, just above the bridge, which was to accommodate the pulpit steps. It was important that the monks behaved appropriately in the refectory and had good table manners. For example, drinking cups were to be held with both hands, the monks were to reach out for the salt with the tip of their knives, and the used blade, like other dirty utensils, was to be wiped on a piece of bread rather than on the napkin.

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.(10) It is important to note that the monastic refectory was reserved for the monks of the house 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