Why are there so many different religious orders and congregations? How do they differ?
Most groups of religious were founded at a time in history when travel and communication were very limited. Many congregations were founded at the same time for the same purpose, but at different places by people who did not know one another. Founders had a specific spirit or charism they wanted to develop in their community, such as poverty, mercy, unity, or hospitality, in response to the needs of people around them or needs of the Church at the time. The charism, the community’s specific ministry, and varying emphases on prayer and common life are the basic differences among religious communities. All are alike in their primary concern: to spread the Gospel message.
