Trappists

The Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance, or Trappists follow the Rule of St. Benedict.

They are a Roman Catholic religious order, and a branch of the Cistercians. The order was founded in 1662 by a converted courtier at La Trappe, in France, hence the name.

Although their order's rules imply observance, and in particular abstinence from alcohol, the monks of several Trappist monasteries make a living in producing liquor. Famous examples are in Belgium, where several Trappist monasteries produce famous trappist beers.

The Trappists received greater attention in recent years on account of the life and writings of Thomas Merton.

Monasteries include:

• Chimay, Belgium
• New Melleray, near Dubuque, Iowa
• Notre-Dame des Neiges, Ardèche, France
• Rochefort, Belgium
• Kamiiso, Hokkaido, Japan
• Hiji, Hayami District, Oita Prefecture, Japan
• Trappist Haven Monastery, on Lantau Island, Hong Kong
• Mariawald, Heimbach (Eifel), Deutschland