Alberic Becomes Abbot of Cîteaux
Alberic of Cîteaux is being formally installed as the new Abbot of Cîteaux Abbey, marking a pivotal moment in the abbey's commitment to monastic reform. The monks gather in the austere church, witness
Setting
The abbey church of Cîteaux Abbey, a newly constructed Romanesque building with simple, unadorned stone walls and a high vaulted ceiling. The morning light streams through narrow arched windows, casting long shadows across the stone floor. The space is austere, reflecting the Cistercian ideals of simplicity and humility.
Characters
Alberic of Cîteaux
primary
A middle-aged man of slender build with a pale complexion from years spent indoors in prayer and study. His shaven head bears the faintest shadow of regrowing hair, and his deep-set eyes are framed by fine wrinkles that speak of both wisdom and worry. His hands are long-fingered, with ink stains from manuscript copying.
Prior
secondary
A middle-aged man of lean build, with sharp features and deep-set eyes that suggest years of study and contemplation. His tonsured head is framed by a fringe of graying brown hair, and his hands are calloused from both labor and prayer.
Novice
secondary
A young man in his late teens or early twenties, slender and pale from months spent indoors in prayer and study. His hands are smooth, unmarked by labor, and his face bears the softness of youth. His dark hair is cropped short in the monastic tonsure, with a wide shaved circle at the crown.
Elder Monk
background
A frail but dignified man in his late 70s, with deeply lined skin that speaks of decades spent in prayer and labor. His white hair forms a thin tonsure atop his head, and his watery blue eyes gleam with quiet wisdom. His hands, gnarled from arthritis, clutch a simple wooden cross.
Dialog
Alberic of Cîteaux
As our holy father Benedict teaches us, 'Let the Abbot always bear in mind that he must give an account of his stewardship.' I receive this staff not as a scepter of power, but as a shepherd's crook to guide your souls.
Prior
It would be fitting, Reverend Father, to remember chapter thirty-six of the Rule as we consider our brethren's sustenance. The vineyard awaits our labors.
Alberic of Cîteaux
Indeed, brother Prior. For as the Psalmist declares, 'They labor but shall not hunger.' Let our hands till the earth as our hearts till the scriptures.
Prior
The novices whisper of your visions for our scriptorium, Reverend Father. Would this...
Alberic of Cîteaux
(interrupting gently) 'Let all things be done decently and in order.' First we must rebuild our chapter house, then God may grant us leisure for letters.