Who established the basic pattern of monasticism that would be used by the Catholic Church?

Answer 1

Monasticism, literally the act of "dwelling alone" (Greek monos, monazein, monachos), is the lifestyle of persons living in seclusion from the world, under religious vows and subject to a fixed rule. These people are usually monks, friars, or nuns.

The ancient Jews practiced a form of monasticism in groups like the Essenes. It is theorized that John the Baptist may have been an Essene Jew.

The community of Jesus and the Apostles could also be described as a form of monasticism where the where one of the band kept the common purse and acted as steward.

There are two types of monasticism:
+ Eremitical (or solitary)
. + Founded by St. Anthony
. + Examples are the Carthusians and Camaldolese
+ Cenobitical (or family)
. + Founded by St. Pachomius
. + Examples are the Benedictines and Franciscans

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

According to the entry on St. Anthony the Great on wikipedia.org:

Saint Anthony and Saint Paul the Hermit are seen as the founders of Christian monasticism. Saint Paul the Hermit is lauded by Saint Anthony as the first hermit. The monastery of Saint Paul the Hermit exists to this day in Egypt. Saint Anthony himself provided the example that others would follow (see Saint Pachomius). Anthony himself did not organize or create a monastery, but a community grew up around him based on his example of living an ascetic and isolated life. Those who wished to follow him needed the company of others to survive the harsh conditions."

The desert fathers were the founders, while St. Benedict of Nursia

"wrote a set of rules governing his monks, the Rule of Saint Benedict, which was heavily influenced by the writings of John Cassian. The Benedictine Rule, one of the more influential documents in Western Civilization, was adopted by most monasteries founded throughout the Middle Ages. Because of this, Benedict is often called "the founder of western Christian monasticism."

Answer 3

St. Benedict about AD 525-550 or so. You can pick up a cheap paperback copy of his rule on amazon.com. He established the cenobitic monasticism, which means communities, living by manual labor, study, and prayer and worship services. This is as opposed to the eremitic practices of the "desert fathers" of Egypt.