Favorite religious order in church history

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The Humiliati

They were a pentitential group that also played an important part in the civic life of their communities. It’s too bad one of them tried to kill St. Charles Borromeo, leading to their suppression.

They also had cool hats.

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The Flagellants helped keep things interesting in the old days before TV and the internet or the printing press for that matter.
 
I cannot tell a lie, I like the Jesuits best because they always seem to be doing most interesting stuff.

Among more obscure orders, I like the Minims because their founder, St. Francis de Paola, loved animals and supposedly raised a pet lamb and/or a pet fish from the dead after they were eaten. He was vegan of course.
 
Knight Templars a epic story and soldiers of Christ too bad that the holy land fell back to enemies hands again. Also that the king of France and the pope put an end to the order.
 
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I am partial to the Redemptorists (the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer) because 1) I have attended a great Redemptorist Parish for years and 2) because many Redemptorists, including their founder, St. Alphonsus Ligouri, have worked very hard to help people who suffer from scrupulosity, a condition I suffer from. Scrupulous Anonymous, for example, is a Redemptorist publication and 3) Their Congregation is dedicated to serving the poor, both those who are poor materially or spiritually.
 
I would have to say I like all of those which I have studied to any degree, but since you’re asking for a favorite I’ll have to go with Benedictines. I have taken many retreats at the nearby Benedictine Monastery, sung with the monks, and taken in the unique atmosphere of the whole Abbey. It was and is an unforgettable experience which I hope to do again many times. I have considered becoming a Benedictine Oblate. I love the Franciscans too, but Benedict comes first in my heart.
 
I don’t think I can reduce it to one.

I like the Mercedarians, the Marians Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, the Dominicans, Franciscan Third Order Regular, Carmelites, etc
 
There is a Redemptorist Parish where I live. A beautiful church but I’ve only made it to Mass there once as its a bit out of the way.
 
I’m most drawn to the Order of St. Benedict, as well. The emphasis on a balanced life, with order and humility, as presented in the Rule of St. Benedict, and the compassion shown to all members of the community, even when that means occasionally relaxing the Rule somewhat, has helped to guide me through much of my adult life.
 
I looked into the Mercedarians briefly when I was discerning religious life. They’re not well known and certainly don’t get enough credit.

But perhaps my favorite order is the Norbertines, especially St. Michaels Abbey out in California. I love their active-contemplative charism.
 
Dominicans! “To contemplate and to share the fruits of one’s contemplation.”
 
This is hard. I’m not good at picking favorites. My top three are:

Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate
Discalced Carmelites
Order of Preachers (Dominicans)

I love the Franciscan outlook on life; that all creation is beautiful. I love how humble and simple they are and yet how beautiful and glorious their churches are.

I like the contemplative life of the Carmelite and their focus on ones personal relationship and experience with God. I’m also biased towards them because I wear the Brown Scapular.

The Dominicans, for their devotion to Our Lady and the Rosary. I also love their mission to share the fruits of their contemplation and to spread the Truth.
 
The Norbertines because of their contemplative life and devotion to Mary. I also love all the beautiful old traditions which both the active and the cloistered Norbertines have kept, such as praying the full liturgy of the hours, including midnight matins. I love their discipline: they have a strict rule and a firm purpose for what they do. They devote themselves to prayer. It’s such a beautiful way of life. The priests say Mass with such reverence, too. They take their vows very seriously. They own very little. Whenever any new letter comes from the bishop, it is promptly read and whatever it requests is instantly implemented.
 
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