(1954) and Goma, Congo (1960). The Bernardines were able to return to France and the mother house was transferred to the Monastery of Notre Dame de La Plaine, St André-lez-Lille (1948). Spirituality Cistercian spirituality and vows Bernardine Cistercians follow Christ according to the Gospel, guided by the Rule of St Benedict. Written in the sixth century, the rule sets out a way of seeking God in community, through a life of prayer and service of others. The Opus Dei or Divine Office is central to the day. Cistercians seek God together, having all things in common, living in simplicity, in relative silence and solitude. Hospitality is a key Benedictine value; those who arrive at the monastery to share in the prayer and peace are never turned away. The writings of the Cistercian Fathers and Mothers, particularly those of the 12th and 13th century including Bernard and Aelred transmit the values of the founding Cistercians and continue to be a source of spiritual riches for the Bernardines today. Bernardines Cistercians make the three traditional Benedictine vows : STABILITY – a commitment to live where God calls, rooted in the Gospel; OBEDIENCE – accepting to listen to the voice of God and others and to be under the authority of a Prioress, and mutual obedience to the others in the community; CONVERSION OF LIFE – the turning of one’s whole life to God, striving to become more Christ-like. Included in this are consecrated chastity and poverty. The Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, has an important role in the spirituality of the order. Contemplation of the Virgin Mary in the light of scripture leads to contemplation of the mysteries of Christ. All Bernardine monasteries are dedicated to Our Lady. Prayer Liturgical and personal prayer is at the heart of the life of the Bernardine Cistercians. The sisters meet five times daily for the offices of Lauds (morning prayer) Terce (at about 9 a.m) Midday Prayer, Vespers (Evening prayer) and Vigils before retiring. The last office of the day, Vigils, combines both the elements of traditional Vigils, (night watching in the hope of the coming day) and Compline (thanking God for the day that has passed and praying for a peaceful night.) The office of Vigils ends with the singing of the Salve Regina by candlelight. Each morning, the sisters are united around the table of the Eucharist at Mass, which is