The Cistercians have significantly influenced the development of Catholic history over the last few centuries. In the 12th century Bernard of Clairvaux worked to spread the influence of the Cistercian Order, which had been founded a few decades earlier to restore the structured lifestyle of the strict Rule of Saint Benedict. In particular, the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (OCSO) was founded in 1678 by Armand Jean le Bouthillier de Rancé, godson of Cardinal Richelieu. Born into an upper-class Parisian family, de Rancé's father dedicated him to a religious vocation to maintain political influence in his 17th-century French community. After the deaths of his brother and father, de Rancé followed a lifestyle of materialism and excess despite his position as an influential French priest. A 1660 conversion experience led de Rancé to get rid of all his possessions and vow to live morally and simply. He joined the monastery of La Trappe Abbey from which the name "Trappists" derives. After establishing his position as a Cistercian, de Rancé led a revolutionary reform effort that promoted the restoration of penance, silence, and isolation within the order. Trappists, as well as Cistercians as a whole, possess a unique set of charisms. Trappists maintain the practice of following the Rule of Saint Benedict which outlines a precise program to maximize effectiveness in prayer and penance. Although some aspects have become obsolete in modern times, Trappists still engage in manual labor, pray the Divine Office, and regularly celebrate the Eucharist. Although they do not take a vow of silence, Trappist monks choose to speak only when... middle of paper... A candidate begins the process by visiting the monastery for several months before entering the Observation period. The next step is to enter the Postulancy and then the Novitiate before taking temporary vows for three years as a Junior. Finally, an individual takes permanent solemn vows to officially become a Trappist for life. Overall, the entire process takes almost a decade to ensure that all Trappists are completely certain of their calling to become Trappist and devoted to God's mission for them. Trappists, as well as Cistercians as a whole, show enormous dedication to prayer and contemplation. Everyone can admire the commitment needed to dedicate oneself completely to a life of solitude and serenity. Strict adherence to the Rule of Saint Benedict consolidates the Cistercian order as a truly unique force in the fast-paced modern world.