St. Robert of Molesme was a French monk born around 1027. He is best known for founding the Cistercian order, which emphasized a return to a simpler, more austere monastic life. His work aimed to reform the Benedictine monastic practices of his time, focusing on prayer, manual labor, and community living. In 1098, St. Robert and a group of followers established the Abbey of Cîteaux, which became the motherhouse of the Cistercian order. His leadership and vision helped shape the spiritual and communal life of the monks, influencing monasticism in Europe. He passed away in 1111 and was canonized in 1171.