The motto was "Pax" but the word was set in a circle of thorns.

Pax: Peace, but what a strange peace, made of unremitting toil and effort – seldom with a seen result: subject to constant interruptions, unexpected demands, short sleep at nights, little comfort, sometimes scarce food: beset with disappointments and usually misunderstood,

yet peace all the same, undeviating,  filled with joy and gratitude and love.

"It is My own peace I give you."     Not, notice, the world's peace. 

– In This House of Brede

These opening lines in Rumor Godden's classic relate to cloistered nuns…or do they?  

What a strange peace it is indeed, yes? But so very true.