Our Lady Porta Caeli — Cistercian Monastery
Vocations · Our Lady Porta Caeli
Young men aged 18 and above who believe they may be called by God to this way of life are welcome to inquire.
A Cistercian Vocation
A Cistercian vocation is not an escape from life. It is the offering of one’s whole life to God through prayer, community, obedience and work — a hidden life, lived under the Rule of St. Benedict, offered for the Church and the world.
“We are not separate from the world; we stand apart to pray for it.”
Who May Apply
Basic Requirements
The Formation Journey
01
Pray to discern whether God is calling you to this way of life.
02
Contact the vocation directors by email, WhatsApp or letter, sharing a little about yourself and why you are interested.
03
Spend a few days to a week living the schedule as a guest — praying, working and eating with the community.
04
Live fully as a monk without vows, learning the Rule, the liturgy and the daily work.
05
Receive the habit, study more deeply, and discern whether God is calling you to this way of life.
06
Vows of stability, obedience and conversion of life.
07
Solemn vows for life: the whole of oneself, offered to God.
For Your Discernment
Do I sense a quiet, persistent pull toward silence, prayer and a hidden life?
Am I free to give myself — without marriage, dependent children or serious debts?
Am I willing to obey, to work with my hands, and to remain in one community?
Have I spoken about this restlessness with a priest or spiritual director?
Questions
Men aged 18 and above, usually Catholics, free from marriage, dependent children, serious debts and serious health problems, and open to silence, obedience, and a life of prayer and work.
A secondary school certificate, with proficiency in reading, writing and expression. A tertiary qualification is an added advantage, as is any vocational skill.
About one year of postulancy, two years of novitiate and four years of temporary vows — then solemn vows for life.
A few days to a week living the monastery schedule as a guest: you pray, work and eat with the community to see whether the life fits you.
Begin with prayer. Then write to the vocation directors — by email, WhatsApp or letter — through the inquiry form below.
Begin the Conversation
This is not a job application — it is the beginning of a spiritual conversation. Share a little of yourself, and the vocation directors will reply by email, WhatsApp or letter.
Your inquiry is received privately and treated with care.
Come and see. Spend a few days living the rhythm of the monastery as a guest.