What is meant by monastic life?
Monastic life is a form of religious life in which persons take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. It began in the fourth century. Both women and men founded and lived in monasteries. The best known monastic founder was St. Benedict. Hildegarde of Bingen was an influential monastic woman. Monasteries were centres of learning and prayer. Monastic life and work is arranged around the divine office. Religious Congregations such as the Sisters of St. Joseph provided a new form of religious life which was not confined to a monastery. Sisters also take vows but unlike monks and nuns who live and work in a monastery, we are actively involved with society, particularly with persons who are excluded or marginalized.
