Trappist monks do not take a vow of silence, despite the popular belief.

Ideas & Philosophy · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance is famous for its contemplative life, but their reputation for total silence is a myth. While they minimize conversation to avoid distraction and vanity, they use sign language to communicate when necessary, prioritizing quietude over a formal vow of absolute silence.

The Trappists trace their origins to the 1664 reforms of Armand Jean le Bouthillier de Rancé at La Trappe Abbey in Normandy. Seeking to address the relaxation of Cistercian practices, de Rancé introduced an austere lifestyle defined by manual labor, isolation, and penitence. This movement eventually evolved into a distinct religious order, formally constituted in 1892 under Pope Leo XIII. Today, the order follows the Rule of Saint Benedict, emphasizing stability, fidelity, and obedience.

Life in a Trappist monastery is structured around the Liturgy of the Hours and the principle that monks should live by the work of their hands. This manual labor is not merely for economic self-sufficiency; it is a spiritual exercise. Monasteries produce a diverse range of goods, from bread and cheese to coffins and their world-renowned, bottle-conditioned beers. At Tre Fontane Abbey, monks even raise the lambs whose wool is used to create the pallia worn by metropolitan archbishops.

The path to becoming a Trappist is a rigorous, multi-stage process of discernment. Candidates begin with an observership, followed by postulancy and a two-year novitiate. After this, members may take temporary vows for three to nine years before committing to final, lifelong vows. Throughout this journey, they maintain a diet that avoids 'four-footed animals' while allowing fish and poultry, and they continue to practice the ancient tradition of contemplative silence during meals and prayer.

The order has produced notable figures, including the 20th-century mystic and author Thomas Merton, whose writings from the Abbey of Gethsemani reached a global audience. Others, such as Rafael Arnáiz Barón—the first canonized Trappist—demonstrated the order's commitment to intense personal piety. Despite the challenges of history, including expulsions during the French Revolution and various conflicts, the Trappists remain a dedicated community of cloistered monastics committed to the Rule of Saint Benedict.

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