Benedictine

Catholic monastic order

The word Benedictine usually refers to a follower of the Order of Saint Benedict. These people usually lead a life in an abbey. They follow the rule of Benedict of Nursia. Benedict lived in the 6th century. He made some rules, called the Rule of St Benedict these people follow. The rules can be summed up by pax (peace) and ora et labora (pray and work).

Benedict of Nursia, shown on an icon by Fra Angelico

Most Benedictines see themselves as part of the Catholic Church. Some can also be found in the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Anglican Church. Officially, the order is known as Ordo Sancti Benedicti (OSB).