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Glossary

Benedictine Order

This is the name of the oldest monastic order in Western Christendom whose founder was Saint Benedict (about 480 - 547).

Saint Benedict was born in Umbria and visited Rome. He first established a monastery at Subiaco and then at Monte Cassino, where he set out the rules of his order - vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. These became the basis of many other monastic foundations.

Benedictine monks normally have a black habit, but occasionally wear white.

There was also a Benedictine order of nuns.