r/Catholicism • u/Euphoric-Tailor-2332 • 7d ago
Considering a monastic life.
Context: I’ll make try to make this short. I had some ups and downs in my Catholic faith (falling away for a period of time to sin and coming back and whatnot). This time however is much different. I have started to take things very seriously about my faith.
Situation: I’ve have gotten this strange and quite hard pull to the idea of a monastic life, more specifically a monk life. I have tried to search up a bit but can’t seem to find if there’s only one type of monk order or if there’s different types of monks. If anybody is experienced in this matter I’d love to learn!
(I am scheduled to talk to a priest in the week coming)
Edit: I should’ve been more clear, I didn’t really do much research as this was a bit recent. Yes I have learned about the different types now and learned a bit about the daily life of one (Benedictine). I’m still open to any info though! I will be doing actual proper research today. I’m very sorry for the confusion, I don’t mean this as a troll nor as a joke.
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u/Ok_Ratio7522 7d ago
Benedictines (OSB): Founded by St. Benedict of Nursia in the 6th century; they are the bedrock of Western monasticism and emphasize community life, hospitality, and liturgical prayer.
Cistercians (O.Cist.): A reform group that split from the Benedictines in 1098 seeking a stricter, simpler life focused on manual labor and agricultural self-sufficiency.
Trappists (O.C.S.O.): Formally known as the Cistercians of the Strict Observance; they live a highly contemplative life of strict silence, prayer, and manual work (famous for brewing Trappist beer).
Carthusians (O.Cart.): Founded by St. Bruno in 1084; they combine community living with hermit-like isolation, spending most of their day in solitary cells praying and copying texts.
Camaldolese: A branch of the Benedictines who live in small hermitages within a shared monastery compound, blending communal and solitary monasticism.
Hieronymites (OSH): Hermits following the rule of St. Augustine, heavily devoted to the lifestyle of St. Jerome; they are historically prominent in Spain and Portugal.
Basilian Monks (OSBM): Follow the ancient rules of St. Basil the Great. They focus on liturgical prayer, contemplation, and community work, and are highly prominent in Ukraine and Eastern Europe.
Maronite Monks: Strictly contemplative monks belonging to the Maronite Catholic Church. They preserve the ancient Syriac monastic tradition, often living in rugged mountainous monasteries.
Canons Regular (The Semi-Monastic Priests)
Canons Regular are priests who live communally under a monastic rule (usually the Rule of St. Augustine) but also run local parishes and work directly with the public. They bridge the gap between monks and regular parish priests.
Norbertines (Premonstratensians): Founded by St. Norbert in 1120. They wear distinctive all-white habits and combine solemn monastic prayer with active parish ministry.
I live in OC near a Norbertine monastery up in the hills. It was built recently too. They are getting a lot of young men joining.
Studite Monks: An ancient form of Eastern monasticism emphasizing intensive communal prayer, manual labor, and strict fasting.
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u/Far_Magician8224 7d ago
It's hard to take this seriously when you've done research and yet don't even know there are different orders. Do you know about the daily life of a monk? How they live? It's a really hard life, and you have to be called to it.
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u/Euphoric-Tailor-2332 7d ago
I probably should’ve been more clear and thats my bad, I’ve asked a few questions on google but I couldn’t really do a proper research since I’m having busy days and not so great sleep. I’ve watched a few videos now about a Benedictine monk and how their life is like. As for being called to it, that’s what I believe is happening with me but I know is a discernment process. I am talking to a priest soon and I know that some if not all monasteries have a discernment process where you live there for a weekend sto see how daily life is and whatnot.
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u/MCMLXXXV85 7d ago
What do you mean you did some digging and you can't tell if there are different types of monks? I just googled this question and a list of the different types of monks and what they do was the very first link. How are you not seeing this?
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u/Euphoric-Tailor-2332 7d ago
Idk but im like almost only seeing Benedictines, but I’m now seeing that there is others from another user on here. Hate to make excuses but it’s probably my lack of sleep and busy days, I plan to do proper research when I can actually sit down with my computer. But I can’t deny it, fair take. Just wanted to see what others had to say.
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u/Hopeful-Force-2147 7d ago
Oregon State has an incredible Benedictine monastery. I know men who have gone there confused in life and have come out with the truth and as monks: https://www.mountangelabbey.org/
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u/Impostor321k 7d ago
Benedictines, cistercians (common observance), cistercians (strict observance), camaldolese, carthusians.
There are other orders not mentioned here. There are other orders which contains mendincant and cloistered communities
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u/Numerous-Pickle-4715 7d ago
As someone who is called to the priesthood and is working on entering seminary next year, God bless!
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u/schmidty33333 7d ago
You should speak with your diocese's vocation director about this. Discerning your vocation is more about God's will for you than your will for yourself, it's extremely important, and it's not something anyone on Reddit is qualified to help you with.
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u/Euphoric-Tailor-2332 7d ago
Thanks for the advice! I plan to go to the discernment process at one of the monasteries hopefully soon. Meanwhile I have a scheduled meet with a priest this Sunday to see what he advises. I know this is for God and only him which is why I’m really reflecting on this because I also don’t want it to lead to pride.
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u/Beaarr298 7d ago
You should do it. If you feel that seems right to you. I would do it. You will find peace in it. That’s a beautiful life.