Robert of Molesmes

Robert of Molesmes was a 11th-century Cistercian monk and priest known for co-founding the Cistercian Order, a Catholic religious community dedicated to strict adherence to monastic principles, manual labor, and prayer. He emphasized simplicity, austerity, and a return to the original ideals of Benedictine monasticism. His leadership helped establish a reform movement within the Church, encouraging monks to live more devoutly and away from worldly distractions. The Cistercians grew quickly and influenced Western monasticism, making Robert an important figure in religious history for promoting a spiritually focused, disciplined monastic life.