Differences among Catholic Orders?

[Duvduv]

What is a good description of the differences among Franciscans, Benedictines, Dominicans and Jesuits?

 

[TuxAme]

I can speak on the Benedictines, since I've visited one of their Abbies (others can speak on the other orders, and you can see the differences). The Benedictines I visited run a high school. Most of the teachers are laity, but some of the monks teach theology and philosophy. Most of the monks that work, though, are in the healthcare field as nurses. So, isolation isn't what the Benedictines are about. Communities that embrace isolation are usually funded from outside sources so the monks can focus on prayer, but the Benedictines try to be self-sustaining. Ora et Labora is a phrase they use, which means pray and work. Not just one or the other, but both.

That being said, from what I saw, they really only gather together for prayer, Mass, and meals- though, if they finish dinner quickly enough, they'll watch the news or play cards together for a bit (they "gamble", and the person who loses wins the pot). During dinner, after the monks are read a section of the Order of St. Benedict by one of their Brothers, there's some time for quiet chatter, and it usually revolves around the day's events or something they thought about during prayer. Breakfast, however, is meant to be had in silence. Oh, and they might hire someone to cook for them- but the monks take turns amongst themselves doing the dishes.

Like any other order, it's a brotherhood- but unlike some, they love visitors. There are sections in the Order of St. Benedict dedicated to the treatment of guests, instructing the monks how to behave. Some of them no longer apply to some communities- for example, monks (besides the "host") are allowed to speak to the guests at the one I visited. In some, they might embrace the Order to a T, and all they will say to a guest is a greeting, and an explanation on why they cannot speak to them.

They're really something else.

 

[Mountainmike]

What is a good description of the differences among Franciscans, Benedictines, Dominicans and Jesuits?

The difference is not doctrine - they are all catholic. but what is called charism. Which in simple lay language is purpose and focus,

For example the Dominicans are a teaching order.

Jesuits focus on the sprititual foundations and exercises of ignatius of loyola.


Look them up.. search " <order> charism"

 

[Dale]

What is a good description of the differences among Franciscans, Benedictines, Dominicans and Jesuits?

Some historians say that the medieval/Renaissance persecution of witches was mainly a project of the Dominicans.