TRAPPISTS and Trappists

Trappist Novice       (Photo by Daniel Tibi)

The media is abuzz with neighborly news:  the detection of seven Earth-like planets, just 40 light years from downtown anywhere.

These planets have been dubbed TRAPPIST-1 worlds, having been discovered via the TRAnsiting Planets and Planetisimals Small Telescope (TRAPPIST). The (literally) ultracool star around which they orbit has also been named TRAPPIST-l.

Now there are TRAPPISTS, and then there are Trappists.  The latter have been here on Earth for hundreds of years.  Trappist monks, belonging to the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance since the mid-1600s, follow the Rule of Saint Benedict.

This Rule, written during the sixth century, upholds “stability, fidelity to monastic life, and obedience.”  Although there is no formal vow of silence, “idle talk is strongly discouraged.” The diet is mostly vegetarian, and Trappists are known for their handmade, high-quality goods.

Resources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trappists

http://www.space.com/35790-seven-earth-size-planets-trappist-1-discovery.html

Copyright February 25, 2017 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved