what ORDER?

[Trilor]

I am very much Benedictine. The Cistercians are a reform of the Benedictines and the Trappists are a reform of the Cistercians. There are also the Camaldolese, who also follow the Rule of St. Benedict. In practice there isnt much of a difference between Cistercians, Trappists and Benedictines in terms of the strictness of the life. There are benedictine communities that are even stricter than some trappist ones nowadays.

 

[DaughterOfMary6]

I wish I was able to choose two. I love both the Franciscans and Dominicans but voted Dominicans because of their great Marian spirituality. I used to be drawn most to the Carmelites, but discovered that I was only interested in the exterior. It was not the right spirituality for me. I became convinced that the Dominicans fit me better since I believe in finding Truth and preaching the Gospel. I am very interested in the Sister Servants of the Eternal Word in Birmingham, AL who combine both Franciscan and Dominican spiritualities into one. They live the Rule of St. Francis, but have many Dominican rituals as well. They were founded by a former Nashville Dominican who is the blood sister of Mother Assumpta of the Ann Arbor Dominicans (also a former Nashie).

I actually need to change this. I am no longer discerning with the SsEWs as they are incapable of handling the needs of those who require lifelong medication. I am discerning with the Religious Sisters of Mercy instead. They are very much a Marian order as their patron is Our Lady of Mercy. St. Thomas Aquinas (a Dominican) is also their patron saint and they celebrate his feast day every year.