A Monk’s Life
Religious order: a group of people who dedicate their lives to religion and follow common rules. CAN BE MEN OR WOMEN!
Some Religious Orders: Knights Templar: Known for protecting pilgrims to the Holy Land during the Crusades. Dominicans: Known for their work in the community as friars. Benedictines: Known for totally focusing on worship activities. Jesuits: Known for education (4,000+ schools). Knight Templar Cistercians: Known for their work as farmers.
The focus of a monk’s life: Serving God through Poverty Chastity Obedience Worship Work Can’t own anything. No women! To abbot (bishop for monks) Pray, read Bible, etc. Labor!
orTravelling among the public (friars) in isolated communities (monks and nuns) Where do they live?
Benedict of Nursia Wrote the most famous rules that guided the lives of many monks and nuns.
The Benedictine Rule CHAPTER XXII How the Monks Art to Sleep Let them receive the bedding befitting their mode of life, according to the direction of their Abbot. If it can be done, let all sleep in one apartment; but if the number doth not allow it, let them sleep in tens or twenties with the seniors who have charge of them. Let a light be kept burning constantly in the cell till morning. Let them sleep clothed and girded with cinctures or cords, that they may be always ready; but let them not have knives at their sides whilst they sleep, lest perchance the sleeping be wounded in their dreams; and the sign having been given, rising without delay, let them hasten to outstrip each other to the Work of God, yet with all gravity and decorum.
In the first place to love the Lord God with the whole heart, the whole soul, the whole strength... To deny one's self in order to follow Christ. Not to seek after pleasures. To love fasting. To relieve the poor. To clothe the naked. To visit the sick. To bury the dead. To help in trouble. To console the sorrowing. Not to be given to wine. Not to be a great eater. Not to be slothful. Not to speak useless words and such as provoke laughter. To apply one's self often to prayer. The Benedictine Rule CHAPTER IV The Instruments of Good Works
Helping the poor and the sick TeachingPreaching How religious orders helped the community:
3:40 am The bell rings, announcing the presence of the Lord. 4:00 am Prayer and religious readings. 5:00 - 5:45 am Breakfast - monks serve themselves. 5:45 - 7:15am Religious services. 7:15 - 7:45 am Free time to clean up, make beds, etc. After mass, unnecessary talking is not permitted. 7:50 am Work or study begin. 8:45 am Prayer. 9:10 am – 12:40 pm Work. 12:40 pm Prayer. 1:10 pm Lunch, taken in silence. 2:00 pm Work. 3:30 pm Prayer. 3:40 pm Coffee or tea, taken in silence. 4:00 pm Religious readings. 5:15 pm Break. 5:20-5:50 pm Silent prayer for half an hour. 5:50 - 6:20pm Group prayer and hymns. 6:20 pm Optional light meal or free time. 7:10 pm Religious reading and discussion. 7:30 pm Group prayer and hymns. 7:50 pm The day officially ends. A Day In The Life Of A Monk
Thanks for taking a visit to the monastery. See you later!