Different monastic orders
Benedictine
The BenedictineA member of a religious order of monks and nuns. They follow the teachings of a book called the 'Rule of St Benedict'. order is one example of a monastic order. It was founded by St Benedict in c. 540. St Benedict is often seen as the father of monasticismA building or buildings occupied by a community of monks living under religious vows..
Those who are members of a Benedictine order will follow the Rule of St Benedict. These rules set out how monks live communally. There are also convents that are part of the Benedictine order.
| Founder | St Benedict of Nursia. |
| Motto | Ora et labora (which translates as) to pray and work. |
| Clothing | Black habit, although some may wear a white habit. |
| Key characteristics | Prayer and work. God-centred, community living. Obedience to scripture and to the Abbot. |
| Founder |
|---|
| St Benedict of Nursia. |
| Motto |
|---|
| Ora et labora (which translates as) to pray and work. |
| Clothing |
|---|
| Black habit, although some may wear a white habit. |
| Key characteristics |
|---|
| Prayer and work. God-centred, community living. Obedience to scripture and to the Abbot. |
Cistercian
The CistercianA member of a Catholic religious order that strictly follows the book known as the 'Rule of St Benedict'. order can be divided into two orders:
- Cistercians of the Common Observance
- Cistercians of the Strict Observance
Cistercians of the Common Observance
The were formed out of the Benedictine monastic lifestyle. They are therefore part of the Benedictine order. The original Cistercians, now known as Cistercians of the Common Observance, focused on hard labour and prayer. However, over the centuries the focus shifted to academic educational pursuits.
| Founder | St. Robert of Molesme. |
| Motto | Cistercium mater nostra (which translates as) Cistercium (C卯teaux) is our mother. |
| Clothing | White habit with black scapular (apron) over the top. |
| Key characteristics | Based on and follow Benedictine Rule strictly. Uniformity 鈥 all monasteries will follow the same rules. |
| Founder |
|---|
| St. Robert of Molesme. |
| Motto |
|---|
| Cistercium mater nostra (which translates as) Cistercium (C卯teaux) is our mother. |
| Clothing |
|---|
| White habit with black scapular (apron) over the top. |
| Key characteristics |
|---|
| Based on and follow Benedictine Rule strictly. Uniformity 鈥 all monasteries will follow the same rules. |
Cistercians of the Strict Observance
The Cistercians of the Strict Observance are otherwise known as TrappistA member of a Catholic religious order of cloistered monks who separated from the Cistercians.. They follow the rule of St Benedict strictly and live communally in convents and monasteries. All Cistercian monasteries are dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God.
| Founder | St. Robert of Molesme. |
| Motto | Cistercium mater nostra (which translates as) Cistercium (C卯teaux) is our mother. |
| Clothing | White habit with black scapular (apron) over the top. |
| Key characteristics | Based on, and follow the Benedictine Rule strictly. Uniformity 鈥 all monasteries will follow the same rules. Emphasis on silence. |
| Founder |
|---|
| St. Robert of Molesme. |
| Motto |
|---|
| Cistercium mater nostra (which translates as) Cistercium (C卯teaux) is our mother. |
| Clothing |
|---|
| White habit with black scapular (apron) over the top. |
| Key characteristics |
|---|
| Based on, and follow the Benedictine Rule strictly. Uniformity 鈥 all monasteries will follow the same rules. Emphasis on silence. |