Monastic Groups

Monasticism began in the deserts of Egypt and Syria. Early Christian hermits like Anthony the Great (AD 251-356) retreated to the desert to live a life of prayer and asceticism around the 3rd century. An ascetic is someone who dedicates himself or herself to a life of rigorous self-discipline. Anthony is often considered the father of monasticism. These Desert Fathers and Mothers sought a life away from the distractions of the world to focus on spiritual growth. Their lives of solitude, prayer, and self-denial laid the foundation for later monastic developments.

While early monastics often lived as hermits, A man named Pachomius (AD 292-348) introduced a communal form of monastic life in the 300s. Because these “monks” ate together, his form of monasticism became known as cenobitic monasticism. He established several monasteries in Egypt where monks lived in community, sharing a common life of work and prayer. This model became increasingly popular and spread rapidly throughout the Christian world.

The next significant development in Western monasticism came with St. Benedict in the 500s. His Rule of St. Benedict provided a moderate path between individual zeal and communal life. It emphasized prayer, work, and communal living. The Benedictine motto “Ora et Labora” (pray and work) captures this balance. Benedictine monasteries became centers of learning, agriculture, and art during the Middle Ages, which some have called the Dark Ages. They helped preserve knowledge while contributing to the cultural and economic development of Europe.

In the British Isles, a distinct form of monasticism emerged, known as the Celtic monastic tradition. Figures like St. Columba and St. Aidan established monastic communities that were centers of missionary activity. Unlike their counterparts on the European continent, Celtic monasteries often had close ties with their surrounding communities and played a significant role in evangelizing the British Isles.

By the 10th century, the need for reform within monasticism led to the Cluniac movement. The Abbey of Cluny in France became the center of this reform, emphasizing strict adherence to the Rule of St. Benedict, liturgical beauty, and independence from secular authorities. Cluniac monasteries were directly subject to the Pope, which protected them from local political interference.

In the 1000s, the Cistercian order emerged as a response to a sense that the Benedictine monasteries were not following the Order of St. Benedict strictly enough. It was founded by St. Robert of Molesme and later shaped by figures like St. Bernard of Clairvaux. The Cistercians sought to return to the strict observance of the Benedictine Rule. They emphasized manual labor, simplicity in liturgy, and architectural austerity.

The 1200s saw the rise of the Mendicant orders, most notably the Franciscans and Dominicans. These orders represented a shift from monastic seclusion to active engagement in the world.

The Dominicans, also known as the “Order of Preachers,” were founded by St. Dominic in 1216. They are known for their commitment to preaching, teaching, and theological scholarship. They typically establish their convents and monasteries in urban centers or university towns, which aligns with their mission of preaching and intellectual engagement.

Historically, they have contributed significantly to theology and intellectual life. For example, St. Thomas Aquinas, whom we will meet below, was probably the most important thinker of the entire Middle Ages. The Dominican focus on education and truth-seeking leads them to engage deeply in issues of doctrine, ethics, and social justice. They emphasize a life of poverty, communal living, and a balance between active ministry and contemplative prayer.

The Franciscan Order, founded by St. Francis of Assisi in the early 1200s, is marked by a profound commitment to living in simplicity and solidarity with the poor. Franciscans live in both urban and rural settings, and often serve marginalized communities. Their presence in cities allows them to work with the poor, the sick, and the marginalized on the edges of society. These emphases align with St. Francis’ focus on ministering to the least of society.

In rural areas, they often engage in stewardship of the environment today, reflecting St. Francis's deep connection with nature and all living creatures. The Franciscans are known for their joyful spirit, community life, and deep sense of brotherhood and fraternity. Their spirituality is characterized by a love for creation, a commitment to peace and justice, and a life of prayer and simplicity. Again, in these characteristics, they are following the example of St. Francis, who sought to imitate the life of Christ in his own life.

In 1540, just as the Protestant Reformation was leading to a mass exodus from the Roman Catholic Church, St. Ignatius of Loyola founded the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. The Jesuits are a religious order known for their educational, missionary, and charitable work. Unlike traditional monastic orders, Jesuits often live and work in urban settings, reflecting their focus on active ministry and engagement with the world. They are renowned for their intellectual rigor and commitment to education, establishing schools, colleges, and universities globally.

Jesuits are also involved in pastoral and spiritual ministries, social justice activities, and interreligious dialogue. Their adaptability allows them to serve in various capacities, from parish priests to educators. They also serve in diverse locations, from inner cities to remote missions. The Jesuit emphasis on “finding God in all things” drives their mission to integrate faith with justice and dialogue with culture and science.