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Definition:
The Benedictines are the oldest monastic order in the West, founded by St. Benedict
of Nursia (c. 480-543) in the 6th century. Benedict founded several monasteries, but he
spent his last years at the monastery at Monte Cassino.
St. Benedict created a strict set of rules which all of the members of the order were supposed to follow. Some of these rules are:
- Once you have entered a monastery you must stay there until you die.
- All monks must take turns working in the kitchens and waiting at table.
- Monks must remain busy, either with manual work or in study and prayer.
- Monks must remain silent unless they have to speak.
- The Abbot must be a father to his community.
- The Abbot must hold meetings with all the monks to decide monastery business.
- The Abbot's orders must be obeyed without argument.
- Every monk must take a vow of chastity.
- No one should own anything.
- Monks must pray together seven times a day.
- At every meal, there must be a reading from the bible.
- Great care must be taken of those who are sick.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
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