A History of the Cistercian Order
By Louis J. Lekai , Ph.D.
S.O. Cist.
Cistercian Fathers
Our Lady of Spring Bank Okauchee, WI 1953
From the Dust Jacket:
The White Monks - by Louis J. Lekai, S.O. Cist.
For the first time in the English language, there is presented here a comprehensive view of the colorful history and cultural achievements of the Cistercian Order, one of the oldest monastic orders of Western Christianity.
The white-robed Cistercians were commonly known for centuries as the White Monks to distinguish them from the largest Benedictine Congregation, the black-robed Cluniacs or Black Monks. Originating in France during the latter part of the 11th century, the Cistercians quickly surpassed their mother order, the Benedictines, in fame and popularity and maintained a prominent position in Europe until the period of the French Revolution.
During recent years, an unexpected Cistercian renaissance has taken place in America. A growing interest in the history and way of life of the White Monks prompted publication of the present study. The Cistercian Monastery of Our Lady of Spring Bank, located at Okauchee, Wisconsin, sponsored publication of this volume as a contribution to the celebration of the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, the guiding genius of the Cistercians and, indeed, of the whole of Christianity during the 12th century.
Father Louis J. Lekai, author of this history of the White Monks, is himself a Cistercian, a member of the Order’s young community in Buffalo, N.Y. Father Lekai received his professional training as a historian at the University of Budapest, Hungary, acquiring his degree of Doctor of Philosophy from that institution in 1942. Since that time he has been engaged in teaching and research in the field of Church history. Father Lekai is currently assistant professor of history at Canisius College, Buffalo, N.Y.
It is hoped that this scholarly and yet readable story of the Cistercian Order, accompanied by a large number of maps and excellent illustrations, shall satisfy the expectations of all those who turn its pages in quest of reliable information.
We have provided a preview of the book which contains Chapter 1. If you are interesting in purchasing this book, it is available for $12.95 through our Abbey Store. Thank you and God bless!