Early Monasticism Unit 5 Topic 1

Monasteries

Houses where men or women dedicate their lives to God by vows, living in community with prayer and work.

Vows of Monasticism

Promises made by monks and nuns, including obedience, poverty, and chastity.

Cloister

Part of a monastery reserved for the use of monks or nuns only.

St. Benedict

An important figure in monasticism who wrote the Rule of St. Benedict, guiding monks with two pillars: prayer and work.

Ora et labora

Latin phrase meaning 'pray and work', associated with the monastic lifestyle established by St. Benedict.

Cluniacs

A reform movement of monks in the early 900s who sought to restore the original spirit of the Rule of St. Benedict.

Cistercians

A monastic group founded in 1098 that sought to return to a simpler, more austere way of living.

St. Scholastica

Sister of St. Benedict, founder of Benedictine nuns.

Scriptorium

A place in monasteries where books were copied and ancient works were preserved.

Illuminated manuscripts

Decorated books produced in monasteries, often featuring elaborate illustrations.

Abbot

The superior of a monastery for monks.

Abbess

The superior of a monastery for nuns.

Contributions of Monasteries

Monasteries housed pilgrims, ran hospitals, served as centers of education, and copied books.

St. Hildegard of Bingen

An abbess, writer, and composer known for her contributions to the Church and monastic life.

St. Basil

A significant figure in Eastern monasticism who influenced monastic practices.