Benedictine vs. Jesuit

[AcolyteLector]

There are actually much, much more relevant issues than the abstract question ‘intellect’ vs. ‘tradition’.

First, consider that the Benedictines are not generally regarded as great travelers. Their lifestyle demands stability: both internally, and in their manner of life.

As a Jesuit, you’ll be expected to become an incredibly well-educated Catholic, and then enter the secular world, constantly parrying the blows of people who either disagree or harm the faith through apathy.
To give you an example, there is a story on the Jesuit vocations website, recounting how a Jesuit was influenced by an epigraph ‘solo, a pie’ (’… alone, and on foot.’) describing St. Ignatius. [not that the Jesuits have an established manner of life like the Benedictines; as clerks regular they have considerable freedom within the guidelines of their constitution, and could–in theory–live similar to a Benedictine.]

To receive a better idea of the actual lifestyles entailed by both groups, you should participate in their ‘come and see’ events. Only then will you be able to make an informed decision, and I can guarantee the question of ‘intellect’ vs. ‘timeless tradition’ will not govern your actions.

 

[UnityofTrinity]

I would have to go with Carmelite spirituality. Not that it was an option.

May I ask a question. What is the friary regulation on using the internet? I’m just asking because you’re definitely using the internet and I’ve always thought most religious life forbid the use of technology.

 

[Luigi_Daniele]

May I ask a question. What is the friary regulation on using the internet? I’m just asking because you’re definitely using the internet and I’ve always thought most religious life forbid the use of technology.

“My” monks are fairly active on the net; other Benedictines are very active.

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

May I ask a question. What is the friary regulation on using the internet? I’m just asking because you’re definitely using the internet and I’ve always thought most religious life forbid the use of technology.

We are active religious. We live in a priory but work in the world. I would hazard a guess that almost every one of our priories in the United States is “wired”.

My house job actually has to do with technology, the maintenance of the wireless network, helping out with computer issues, and answering any other technology related questions.

I can see cloistered monks and nuns having restrictions, but we do not.

I know some people are scandalized by this, I hope you are not.

 

[Luigi_Daniele]

We are active religious. We live in a priory but work in the world. I would hazard a guess that almost every one of our priories in the United States is “wired”.

My house job actually has to do with technology, the maintenance of the wireless network, helping out with computer issues, and answering any other technology related questions.

I can see cloistered monks and nuns having restrictions, but we do not.

I know some people are scandalized by this, I hope you are not.

The internet is just another place to evangelize (IMHO). As bad as it can be, it would be even worse without you guys and my monks

 

[UnityofTrinity]

Say that I am a Jesuit. If later on in life I decided to join a Benedictine monastery or a Franciscan Friary, would it be possible?

By the way, what is the difference between a monk and a friar?a

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

Say that I am a Jesuit. If later on in life I decided to join a Benedictine monastery or a Franciscan Friary, would it be possible?

Yes there is a possibility but you would have to go through a formation process with the new group. It is not easy.

Also, no one joins a group with the plan of changing groups later on.

By the way, what is the difference between a monk and a friar?a

A monk is a member of a monastic order that is most likely cloistered. They live within the monastery and work there.

A friar is a member of a mendicant order and lives and prays in community with other friars but works in a ministry out in the world.

 

[GloriousOrder]

As a Carmelite Friar I must say that you did a pretty good job in a short space here.

I would offer one correction. All priests, regardless of religious community, are bound to pray the Liturgy of the Hours. The constitutions/rule may add to this but all ordained are required by Canon Law to pray the Hours.

Thanks very much for the confidence, my friend. It’s good to know I have some base knowledge, thanks to a lecture on Dominican history given by a friar who made the distinctions clear.

Your correction is helpful, but I made sure to distinguish by using the word “recite”, not “pray”. I should have been clear on the difference… sorry! By “X recites” or “Y doesn’t recite”, I meant praying the Hours in community or as sung prayers. Naturally all orders pray them, but not all recite them in community. My mistake!

 

[CarlosBarrera]

Jesuit?

BTW, are there any non-monk Benedictine priests?

I was wondering the same because the founder of Human Life International’s name read : Fr. Paul Marx, OSB. But he was an active priest who usually wore just a collar, at least the pics I’ve seen of him.

 

[Dale_M]

I was wondering the same because the founder of Human Life International’s name read : Fr. Paul Marx, OSB. But he was an active priest who usually wore just a collar, at least the pics I’ve seen of him.

I am not familiar with his full story, but Fr. Marx belonged to St. John’s Abbey in Minnesota and traveled with the blessing of his abbot. When Fr. Marx retired from Human Life International, he returned to the abbey.

I don’t know why he chose to wear in public the Roman collar and not the Benedictine habit… Perhaps he thought that the collar would influence or gain the respect of more people than would the habit? After all, he wanted to reach more people than just Catholics and being identified as a monk might not be very meaningful to non-Catholics.

 

[Bessarione_OSBM]

Ancient spirituality vs. the rush of the intellect, which one you like better? BTW, is there such thing as a Benedictine priest?

And the Basilian Monks of Grottaferrata are not bad!