Maris, Mikkabi, Japan Monastery Notre Dame du Lac, Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo Monastery of Our Lady of Hyning, Warton, near Carnforth, England Monastery of Our Lady of Bafor, Diébougou, Burkina Faso Monastery of Our Lady and St Bernard, Brownshill, Stroud, England A prefoundation in Asia. Activities The search for God through a life of prayer is the first activity of all Bernardine monasteries, but each monastery also has a variety of activities. The key Benedictine principles of education and hospitality remain at the heart of the charism of the order. Two monasteries have schools, and other monasteries maintain educational activities through leading retreats, catechesis, writing icons and initiating others in this art, spiritual accompaniment etc. All Bernardine monasteries have guest houses were guests can share in the peace and prayer of the community and have a break from the business of everyday life. Other activities, according to community, include raising animals, (cows, poultry, sheep), kitchen garden, making altar breads, secretarial work, monastic shops, and the usual work of administration and maintenance that is found in any community. Oblates and lay associates Lay people who wish to deepen their faith by drawing from the riches of Cistercian spirituality may become oblates of any Bernardine community. A temporary promise is made, followed by a life promise to live the Christian life inspired by the Rule of St Benedict. The practical living out of this commitment is adapted to the life and circumstances of each oblate, but in general they remain in close contact with one of the monasteries. Groups of Lay Cistercians are also emerging in some countries. References "Un Rameau de l’Arbre Cistercien: Esquermes", Collectanea Cisterciensia, 51:4, 1989, pp. 281–292. Joseph-Marie Canivez, L’ordre de Cîteaux en Belgique, des origines au XXe siècle Forges-lez-Chimay, 1926, pp. 61, 506, 518, 519 Canon Auguste Leman, Histoire de la Fondation du Monastère Notre Dame de La Plaine, 1927. Don André Louf, The Cistercian Alternative, 1983, Published by Gill and MacMillan Gordon Beattie, Gregory's Angels, Published by Gracewing, 1997 Sources and external links Order of the Cistercians of the Strict Observance Order of Cistercians Cistopedia Cistercian Family (Lay Associates) Catholic female orders and societies Cistercians