Religious Orders
What is a religious order?
A religious order is a community of individuals living lives dedicated to prayer and service to the Church.
Within the Catholic Church there are many religious orders with different callings, however they all have the same goal; to be a path leading its members to heaven. Many orders require it’s members to take vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience.
What is it like being in a religious order?
All of the religious orders are unique, however they do have a few things in common. They all take vows, they often pray, eat, and work in community. They also serve the Church through their prayers and works.
Watch this video by Conception Abbey, a Benedictine abbey in Missouri to see a glimpse of what religious life is like.
Augustinians
Founded by a group of hermits in the 13th century, the Augustinians follow the Rule of St. Augustin of Hippo. Their charism include community, love for neighbor, truth, and interior life.
Benedictines
Founded by St. Benedict, the Benedictines focus on prayers and works. They take vows of obedience, stability, and Conversatio Morum (Fidelity to the monastic way of life).
Capuchins
A reform of the Franciscans, the capuchins were founded in the 16th century with a return to deeper simplicity, poverty, and prayer.
Carthusian
Founded by St. Bruno in the 11th century, the carthusians live in cloisters and in solidarity. They live contemplative lives with an emphasis on community despite their solidarity.
Cistercians
Founded by St. Robert, St. Alberic, and St. Stephen Harding in the 11th century, they sought to follow St. Benedicts rule more closely. They focus on prayers and works, along with solitude.
Dominicans
Founded by St. Domonic, the Dominican’s charism includes study, prayer, community, and preaching. They are also called the Order of Preachers.
Franciscans
St. Francis founded the Franciscans in the 13th century with a charism of poverty, humility, and service to the poor.
Jesuits
Founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola in the 16th century, the Jesuits were created in response to the protestant reformation. They serve the Church, and help others see God in all things.
Trappists
A reform of the Cistercians, founded by the French abbot Armand-Jean Le Bouthillier de Rance, the Trappists focus on contemplation, prayer and works by following the Rule of St. Benedict.
Do you feel called to join a Religious Order?
Many are called to live in the secular world. However, many are called to join Religious Orders. There are many Religious orders, all founded to serve the Church in particular ways. There are even more communities all around the world who belong to Religious Orders that serve the Church in countless ways. This means that if you are called to join a Religious Order, there is a community out there that will fit you perfectly.
This fact can be overwhelming for most. “How can I find the one that I’m called to if there are so many?” Have faith and take the first step! A great first step in discernment is to research the different orders, find a couple that are attractive to you, and go and visit with them. In prayer and action, God will reveal to you what to do next.
Edits
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