Editing Trappists (section)

=== Institutional Structure ===
Cistercian communities are autonomous but united in a communion implemented by key institutions:

* '''Regular Visitation:''' An independent "Father Immediate" is appointed to help and support the abbot in the exercise of his pastoral charge and to foster concord in the community. The Father Immediate or other representative visits the monastery approximately every two years. The purpose of this “Regular Visitation” is to strengthen and supplement the pastoral action of the local superior, to correct violations where necessary, and to renew the nuns’ or monks’ spiritual fervor.
* '''General Chapter:''' The General Chapter is the supreme authority of the order. Since 2011, Abbots and Abbesses form a single General Chapter. They meet every 3 years for three weeks to strengthen the bonds of the order and to make key decisions, including the election of the Abbot General when necessary.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our Structure : Ordre Cistercien de la Stricte Observance: OCSO |url=https://ocso.org/who-we-are/our-structure/ |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=ocso.org |archive-date=2022-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208032126/https://ocso.org/who-we-are/our-structure/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Abbot General chairs the General Chapter.