in the chapter house the monks were released from their vows silence this is where issues and developments affecting the monastery were discussed first a monk would read the legend of a saint or a section of the book of rules then the abbot would comment on the reading and its you practical instructions for work assignments next came the monks confession in a loud voice they acknowledged their sins and faults and the abbot decided what form of penance or punishment was required on sundays and religious holidays les brethren were also admitted to the assembly but they had to leave before the monks confession. in its simplicity of line the abbey church of foam to name appeared to my eyes as the ideas of scent bene unlike most cistercian churches it was built with only one story and large arcades.