The Order of Saint Benedict, also referred to as the Benedictines, or the Black Monks, a reference to the color of their habits, is a Catholic religious Order of independent monastic communities that observe the Rule of Saint Benedict. Each Benedictine community (monastery, priory or abbey) is autonomous, while the Order represents their mutual interests. Benedictine Order refers to all Benedictine communities collectively. Internationally, the Order is governed by the Benedictine Confederation, established by Pope Leo XIII in 1883, whose head is the Abbot Primate. The Order began in 529, when Saint Benedict of Nursia established a monastery at Subiaco, Italy, later founding the Abbey of Monte Cassino and eleven others. By the 9th century, several Catholic communities had replaced their prior Orders with the Benedictine Order. The Benedictine had become the standard form of monastic life for much of Western Europe, with the exception of Scotland, Wales and Ireland, where the stricter Irish Celtic Rule still prevailed for another couple of centuries. The Benedictine Order differs from other Western Orders in that each individual Benedictine community is autonomous but, in modern times, the various communities have formed themselves into loose congregations which are represented in the Benedictine Confederation, which facilitates dialogue between the Benedictine communities and with other religious Orders and the Catholic Church. Benedictine abbots and abbesses have full jurisdiction over their abbey, and absolute authority over resident monks and nuns. The Rule of Saint Benedict is also used by other religious Orders that began as reforms of the Benedictine tradition, such as the Cistercians and the Trappists, although they are not part of the Benedictine Confederation. Groups within the Anglican and Lutheran churches also claim adherence to the Rule of Saint Benedict.
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Prepared by the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, a monastery that lives under the Rule of Saint Benedict, with a distinct spirit and circumstances that unites the monastic charism, with a distinct orientation to the Eucharist in the service of the Church, a variety of altar breads are available, including white breads, wheat breads, and low-gluten breads, which may be ordered online.
https://altarbreadsbspa.com/
Founded in 1947, the ABA was created as a non-profit association to cultivate, support and transmit the Benedictine heritage. The Academy sponsors and promotes disciplinary and inter-disciplinary research, studies, and collaboration among its members, with membership open to members of other monastic communities, oblates, scholars and others interested in Benedictine spirituality, study and values.
http://americanbenedictine.org/
Located in Erie, Pennsylvania. the Benedictine Sisters came to the United States from Germany in 1852, settling in Erie in 1856. A history and profile of the community is put forth, along with its ongoing formation, prayer and liturgy, ministries, and forms of association. The monastic experience is described and information is offered on becoming a Benedictine. Donations may be made online, and other ways in which to contribute to the community are included.
https://www.eriebenedictines.org/
Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration
Called to a ministry of prayer, the Clyde, Missouri monastic community lives under the Rule of Saint Benedict. Its Swiss origins, founder, and history are outlined, along with its history, leadership, and vocations. A monastery podcast is available, and site visitors are invited to request prayer, with prayer forms available. General information about the community and its mission is put forth.
http://benedictinesisters.org/
Founded as St. Procopius College by the Benedictine monks of St. Procopius Abbey in 1887, Benedictine University maintains a close relationship with the Benedictine Order. The Chicago area university is highlighted, including its admissions policies, degrees and programs, athletics and alumni programs, and financial aid opportunities. Its programs for high school and transfer students, non-traditional adult students, graduate students, international and online students are featured.
http://www.ben.edu/
Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles
Established in 1995, the community was originally known as the Oblates of Mary, Queen of Apostles, while in the Diocese of Scranton, Pennsylvania. In 2006, they accepted an invitation to transfer to the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph in Missouri, assuming their current name. Its vocation, monastic life, and history are told, and a gallery of photographs, sheet music, and CDs are available for purchase online.
https://benedictinesofmary.org/
A Benedictine Sister of Erie, Pennsylvania, Joan Chittister is an outspoken advocate for justice, peace and equality, particularly for women worldwide. She has written several books, which are available for purchase online. Her biography, event schedules, articles, and a newsletter are available here, along with interviews, a book club, and contact information. Contributions may be made through the site.
http://www.joanchittister.org/
Situated in Chicago, the contemplative Benedictine monks are a Roman Catholic, Benedictine Monastery of the Subiaco Cassinese Congregation, living to the Rule of Saint Benedict, seeking God through a life of prayer, silence, work and hospitality. Mass and the Divine Office are open to the public. Mass and prayer schedules, a calendar of events, and information about its bed and breakfast are included.
http://chicagomonk.org/
National Benedictines for Peace
Organized in 1980, the organization began in response to a threat of nuclear war, and was revitalized in 1995 for the purpose of networking Benedictine communities in a peace-filled response to violence in the world. Its steering committee is identified, with contact information, news and announcements are made, and participating monasteries are recognized, along with membership information.
http://www.benedictinesforpeace.org/
Benedictines carry on a monastic tradition that began with the Christian monastic movement in the late 3rd century, and the regard Saint Benedict as their founder although he did not establish a Benedictine Order as such. The Rule of Benedict, the Oblates, Benedictine monasteries, its academy, general information and other monastic topics are presented, and its international institutions are identified.
http://www.osb.org/
Housed in the Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove, Indiana, the Order once operated a Catholic high school and kindergarten, and currently operates the St. Paul Hermitage Retirement and Nursing Care facility, and the former academy now serves as a retreat and conference center. Its history, vocations, prayer and Mass schedules, and oblate information are provided.
http://www.benedictine.com/
