Medieval monasticism is one of the most fascinating areas of historical research. Why would people voluntarily give up worldly pleasures for a life full of suffering and self-denial? Consult these websites and answer the questions to learn more about these highly unusual people. Site revised July, 2011.

Sites to Explore

The Rule of St, Benedict Questions:

1. Explain the four types of monks: cenobites, anchorites, sarabites, and gyratory.
2. What are the ninth and tenth degrees of humility?

1. In what ways did hermits live that set them apart from other people?
2. What were the basic ideas in the Rule of St. Pachomius?
3. What kinds of things did Benedictine monks pray for?

1. What are the three basic monastic virtues?
2. From what previous rules and writings did St. Benedict borrow ideas?
3. In what way is Benedict's Rule a Christian rule?

1. What three vows were a monk's daily life based on?
2. What jobs were performed by the cantor, lector, and sacrist?
3. How many times each day were monks expected to attend prayer services?

1. Under the Rule of St. Benedict, what were the three parts of the working day?
2. What kinds of work did monks do when not praying?
3. Describe the work of almoners and hostellers.

1. Why was Hildegard dedicated to the church by her family at birth?
2. Describe the living accommodations of an achor (or anchoress).
3. What was Hildegard's view of music and its importance?

1. What were red martyrdom and white martyrdom?
2. What three labors were to be performed each day?
3. What restrictions were placed on food, sleep, and talking?

1. How were food and clothing to be distributed to the monks?
2. Why does Augustine caution monks who were in poverty before entering the monastery from being too proud?
3. How is the sin of pride different from other sins?

1. What is the real name of the Franciscans and what does it mean?
2. During the years of probation, what clothing restrictions are placed on the Franciscans?
3. What are the Franciscans allowed to accept in payment for their work instead of money?

1. How is the Prior selected and what promises must be made to him?
2. What was the Carmelite rule concerning the eating of meat?
3. What restrictions were placed on speaking?

Conclusion

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