Benedictine Lineage
1500 years of ancient tradtion
Ancient beginnings…
The Benedictine Order traces its origins to St. Benedict of Nursia (c. 480–547 AD), who is considered the father of Western monasticism. Around 529 AD, Benedict established his first monastery at Monte Cassino, Italy, where he wrote his famous Rule of St. Benedict. This Rule, with its emphasis on “ora et labora” (prayer and work), became the foundation for Benedictine life and monasticism in Europe. It emphasized community life, prayer, manual labor, study, and hospitality, creating a balanced spiritual and practical life.
Benedictine monasticism spread rapidly across Europe during the early Middle Ages. Monasteries became centers of learning, agriculture, and missionary activity, playing a crucial role in the Christianization and cultural development of Europe. Monks preserved classical texts, educated the young, and supported the poor, deeply influencing Western civilization.
Over the centuries, various Benedictine congregations and reforms emerged, including the Cluniac reform in the 10th century, which emphasized liturgy and strict adherence to the Rule, and the Cistercians in the 12th century, who advocated for simplicity and austerity. These movements sought to renew and adapt monastic life.
Despite challenges like the Protestant Reformation, wars, and secularization, the Benedictine tradition persisted. Today, Benedictine monasteries exist worldwide, continuing the legacy of prayer, work, and community life in service to God and others. The Order of St. Benedict remains a foundational pillar of the Catholic monastic tradition, influencing spiritual, educational, and cultural life for over 1,500 years.
The Olivetan tradition…
Blessed Bernard Tolomei – Monte Oliveto, Italy
The Olivetan Benedictines, or the Congregation of Monte Oliveto, are a branch of the Benedictine Order founded in the early 14th century. Their history begins with Blessed Bernardo Tolomei, a nobleman from Siena, Italy, who, in 1313, sought a more austere and contemplative form of monastic life. He and a few companions retreated to Monte Oliveto (Mount of Olives), near Siena, where they established a monastic community. They were particularly inspired by the Rule of St. Benedict, emphasizing prayer, work, and spiritual discipline.
The community received papal approval in 1344 from Pope Clement VI and was integrated into the Benedictine family. Known for their white habits (symbolizing purity), the Olivetans adopted the Rule of St. Benedict while also incorporating stricter elements of eremitic life, though over time, they developed a more communal form of monasticism. Their motherhouse, the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, became the center of this congregation.
The Olivetans contributed significantly to monastic reform during the late Middle Ages, encouraging a return to a more disciplined and contemplative way of life. They also expanded beyond Italy, establishing monasteries throughout Europe. Today, the Olivetan Benedictines continue to live according to the Benedictine principles of “Ora et Labora” (prayer and work), focusing on prayer, community life, and service to the Church and world. Even though our monastic community is not affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, we carry on the rich traditions passed onto us from Bernard Tolomei and Benedict of Nursia.