Our Order has its beginnings in a lay Anglican effort originated by Sister Eileen, Order of the Holy Trinity, in 1981. This group of twenty postulants founded the Oblate Order of St. Benedict. In 1985 they embraced the Primitive Rule of St. Benedict as Cistercians. While principally Anglican, members were also from Roman Catholic and Episcopal jurisdictions. Membership was open to men, lay or clerics, and women.

While the Cistercians were headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Chapters were developed in several states. In many respects they were the only Anglo-Catholic congregation of its kind in North America.

Rev. Father Oscar Joseph, OCCO was appointed Oblate Superior in June 1997.

Since that time the Oblates have taken on a new and broader mission as the Cistercian Order of the Holy Cross, Common Observance and now offer men, clerical or lay, and women, the opportunity to become first order monks or hermits. Men may become priests or deacons.

Our monasteries, or individual monks and oblates living outside of a monastery, in America and overseas capture the true Cistercian charism in uniquely different ways yet each is faithful to the Rule of St. Benedict, the Order’s vision, and a life of prayer.

We are one of the largest Orders, of this kind, with monks and oblates residing throughout the world. See the “Where We Are” section of the website for more details.

New applications for resident and nonresident members are welcome.