CONYERS--An original 14-month calendar from December 1997 through January 1999 celebrates the 900th anniversary of the Cistercian order represented in the archdiocese by the Monastery of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit.

The calendar includes original artwork of monasteries throughout the world belonging to the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, also known as Trappists. It also includes selected texts for each month from Scripture or Cistercian sources to complement the drawings. All of the work was done by friends and associates of the Conyers monastery, many of whom are oblates striving to live the Cistercian spirituality outside the walls of the monastery within their own vocations.

Drawings were done by Francisco Ambrosetti.

It is an expression of gratitude to the monks and nuns of the order whose life of prayer, work, solitude and silence has enriched the church and those who come to their monasteries for retreat and prayer.

The Cistercian order began in 1098 in Citeaux, France as a particular expression of the Rule of St. Benedict and now has monasteries throughout the world.

The calendar is available at the Abbey Store at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, 2625 Highway 212, SW, Conyers, or by e-mail at Abbeystore@ga.monks.org.