The Bernardines of Esquermes are an order of Cistercian nuns, part of the larger Cistercian family. We live according to the Rule of St. Benedict, seeking God as a community in a spirit of prayer, simplicity and silence. We take the traditional monastic vows of stability, obedience and conversion of life. Work in education and hospitality has always been an integral part of our life.
Click on the captions below to learn more about the congregation and their Icon Studio.
Good Father, lover of the human race, we praise you for your great love for us in sending us your Word.
Born of the Virgin Mary, He became our Saviour, our first born brother, like us in all things but sin.
We pray, please send forth your blessing on this Icon of our Patron Saint, St. Austin, St. Augustine of Canterbury, by this holy anointing with the oil of chrism.
Make holy this Icon unto your glory, in honour and remembrance of Jesus Christ and His Holy Mother Mary.
St. Augustine of Canterbury, pray for us. St. Paul the Apostle, pray for us. St. Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us. St. John XXIII, pray for us. St. John Paul II, pray for us. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, pray for us. Servant of God Isaac Hecker, pray for us.
Gracious God, grant that untold blessings will come upon all who venerate this Icon. May the grace, bounty and love of your only begotten Son, together with your life-giving Spirit, bless us now and forever.