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

John the Baptist who lived alone in the desert and Jesus of Nazareth who lived in the desert for three years and ate locusts. Later on St. Anthony (3d century).

St. Pachomios and his followers established the first monasteries and the first female monastic order (4th century). (Not to forget the example of Buddhist and Vaishnava monks.)

Saint Benedict of Nursia (c. 480 AD – 547 AD) founded twelve monasteries, the best known of which was his first monastery at Monte Cassino in the mountains of southern Italy. The monastery at Monte Cassino was the first Benedictine monastery (most monasteries of the Middle Ages were of the Benedictine Order). Benedict wrote a very influential set of rules governing his monks, the Rule of Saint Benedict.

Answer 3

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

Answer 4

I am sure one of them was St. Frances at least the European way, and I think the other was St Dominic... then St. Clare started a woman's organization the Poor Clares. There were monasteries in Egypt and northern Africa but I am not familiar with them at all. You might check this site for more information www.newadvent.org/cathen/10459a.htm

Answer 5

Well in the book I'm currently reading, the author credits St. Barthalomew (one of the original apostles) as starting the monastic order. But since the book is a work of ficition - I'm not sure how accurate this info is.