Founding of Cîteaux Abbey
A small group of monks, led by Robert of Molesme, Alberic of Cîteaux, and Stephen Harding, begins constructing the first buildings of Cîteaux Abbey in a dense Burgundian forest. The scene captures the
Setting
A clearing in the dense Burgundian forest near the Saône River, where a small group of monks has begun constructing the first buildings of what will become Cîteaux Abbey. The site is marked by freshly cleared earth, with tree stumps still visible among the emerging stone foundations.
Characters
Robert of Molesme
primary
An elderly monk in his late 60s, with a gaunt frame that speaks of decades of asceticism. His deeply lined face is framed by a short, white beard, and his pale blue eyes carry both wisdom and weariness. His hands are calloused from manual labor, yet delicate in their movements when blessing objects or people.
Alberic of Cîteaux
primary
A middle-aged monk of sturdy build, with sun-weathered skin and calloused hands from years of manual labor. His short-cropped brown hair is streaked with gray, and his piercing blue eyes reflect both wisdom and weariness. He stands with the posture of a man accustomed to hard work, his broad shoulders slightly hunched from years of bending over construction tasks.
Stephen Harding
secondary
A slender man in his late 30s with sharp, angular features, pale complexion from long hours indoors, and intense blue eyes that reveal both intellect and devotion. His tonsure is freshly shaved, and his hands bear ink stains from scriptorium work.
Novice Monk
secondary
A young man in his late teens or early twenties, with a lean but sturdy build from manual labor. His face is smooth and boyish, with a ruddy complexion from outdoor work. His hands are calloused but not yet hardened like those of the older monks. His tonsure is freshly shaved, marking his recent entry into monastic life.
Local Woodsman
background
A sturdy Burgundian villager in his late 30s with sun-weathered skin and muscular arms from years of forestry work. His dark brown hair is cropped short beneath a woolen cap, and his beard shows flecks of sawdust. Thick eyebrows frame deep-set eyes that squint against the forest light.
Dialog
Robert of Molesme
See how the Lord has prepared this place for us, brothers. These cleared lands are as the wilderness made ready for the tabernacle.
Alberic of Cîteaux
The soil is good here, Father. It will bear fruit both temporal and spiritual, like the parable of the sower.
Stephen Harding
Ad majorem Dei gloriam... In my chronicles, I shall record that on this day we laid the foundation of a new vineyard for the Lord's laborers.
Robert of Molesme
Let us remember, brothers, that these stones we set today must first be hewn from our own pride, as David prepared for the Temple.
Alberic of Cîteaux
The oak beams will season well in this air, just as our souls must season in prayer before we can bear the full weight of this rule.
Stephen Harding
In saecula saeculorum... This place shall be called Cistercium, where the pure waters of Benedict's rule may flow undefiled.
Robert of Molesme
Ora et labora, my sons. Today we plant what future generations shall harvest in the Lord's good time.