We are Trappists — also known as Trappistines — members of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, and can trace our roots back 900 years to France. We follow the ancient monastic Rule of St. Benedict and lead a sequestered life of silent prayer, community liturgy, and manual labor. The life of a Trappist monk — which begins each day with morning prayer at 3:30 a.m. — is guided by the mandate to, “Let nothing be preferred to the work of God.” We live simply and support ourselves by the work of our hands.