What is Lay Cistercian

The Lay Cistercian is a person who believes they have been called by God to be a person who prays. One element of the vocation to pray can be illustrated by this story: Mother Teresa, when she was working in the slums of Calcutta, had a volunteer who came from England to help her. She was a young woman who eventually became ill to the point of not being able to physically help Mother Teresa in her ministry. The saint sent her home with the instructions that she could still help the ministry greatly by becoming a person who prays for that ministry. Mother Teresa was known to send prayer requests to this woman. Like Mother Teresa's friend, a Lay Cistercian is someone who is convinced of the importance of prayer both in their family life and greater communities. Prayer for oneself and for others is listed as one of the Spiritual Works of Mercy by the official Catholic beliefs. (Catechism of the Catholic Church) Prayer is a deed. It is an Act of Faith. It can be considered an Act of Love as well as an Act of Obedience. Jesus himself asks his disciples to pray not only for their loved ones but also for enemies.