What was the monastic movement?
monasticism, an institutionalized religious practice or movement whose members attempt to live by a rule that requires works that go beyond those of either the laity or the ordinary spiritual leaders of their religions.
What was the importance of the monastic movement to medieval Europe?
But monasticism also offered society a spiritual outlet and ideal with important consequences for medieval culture as a whole. Monasteries encouraged literacy, promoted learning, and preserved the classics of ancient literature, including the works of Cicero, Virgil, Ovid, and Aristotle.
What rule helped spread monasticism Europe?
St. Basil the Great composed a very influential rule for the Eastern church, and John Cassian (360–435) helped spread monasticism to western Europe. The Benedictine order, founded by St. Benedict of Nursia in the 6th century, called for moderation of ascetic practices and established worship services at regular hours.
What was the significance of the monastic movement?
As an instrument for the creation, preservation, and transmission of secular and religious traditions, monasticism played an important role in society, especially in those cultures that favoured cenobite institutions.
Who started the monastic movement?
Benedict of Nursia (480-543): Considered the father of Western monasticism, Benedict originally took up the life of a hermit, but after being surrounded by numerous others, he founded a communal house at Monte Cassino.
Who contributed to the monastic movement in Western Europe?
In the 4th century CE, the monastic movement spread to the European continent when John Cassian (c. 360 – c. 430 CE), a “Desert Father” and friend of Saint John Chrysostom the “Golden-Mouthed” (c. 347 – 407 CE), founded this Egyptian-style monastery in Gaul (modern-day France).
How did monasticism developed?
The origins of and inspiration for monasticism, an institution based on the Christian ideal of perfection, have traditionally been traced to the first apostolic community in Jerusalem—which is described in the Acts of the Apostles—and to Jesus’ sojourn in the wilderness.
Who made the first rules for a monastery in Europe?
, formulated near the end of his life (547), based the foundations of monastic life on prayer, study, and the assistance of the sick. Benedict’s rule was influenced by the rule of John Cassian who founded the first monasteries in Europe near Marseille, southern Gaul, about 415 CE.
What rules did monks have to follow?
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.
What were the rules of medieval monks?
Monks dressed in loose brown robes, tied at the waist with a cord. In 520 CE, a priest named Benedict built a monastery in Italy. The rules he established were called Benedictine Rule. According to these rules, priests could not marry, could not own goods, and had to obey their abbot.
How were medieval monks punished?
Punishments might include being beaten, being excluded from communal activities for a period, or even being imprisoned within the monastery.
What happens if monks broke the rules?
If a monk breaks any one of the rules he is automatically “defeated” in the holy life and falls from monkhood immediately. He is not allowed to become a monk again in his lifetime. Intention is necessary in all these four cases to constitute an offence.
What were some of the rules of medieval monasteries?
The rules he established were called Benedictine Rule. According to these rules, priests could not marry, could not own goods, and had to obey their abbot. The abbot was the head or ruler of the monastery. The abbot made the rules or laws of the monastery.
How do monks get punished?
Monks will be punished thirty days for drinking sake, eating meat, or using any of the (forbidden) five spices (goshin). However, if any of these spices are required as medicine, the three deans may authorize their use for a specified number of days. If a monk gets drunk and becomes unruly, he shall be laicized.
What happens if a monk breaks the rules?
What rules do monks have to follow?
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.
What was the impact of the monastic order on medieval Europe?
However, it was the stress on study that had the largest consequence for Medieval Europe as it served as a scriptorium for copying of sacred texts, a Latin education, and the training of clergy. The Benedictine order was officially established in the sixth century; however, monastic life was in a constant shift of reform and renewal.
When did monasticism appear in Europe?
Monasticism appeared in the West in the late fourth century. St. Martin of Tours (d. 397) was a main proponent of training missionaries in the monastic life which led to its spread throughout the West.
What was the first rule of monasticism?
In the West, the most significant development occurred when the rules for monastic communities were written down, the Rule of St Basil being credited with having been the first. The precise dating of the Rule of the Master is problematic.
What was the significance of the monastic movement in Ireland?
Celtic Monasticism, centered in Ireland, was responsible for the preservation of numerous works of lasting cultural value. Ireland was never conquered by the Roman legions and so was left to develop on its own and, further, was unaffected by the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE.