Question
Here is the question : WHICH STRICT MONASTIC ORDER WAS KNOWN AS THE “WHITE MONKS”?
Option
Here is the option for the question :
- Cistercians
- Benedictines
- Franciscans
- Carmelites
The Answer:
And, the answer for the the question is :
Explanation:
In 1098, a group of monks seeking the most austere version of the Rule of St. Benedict founded the Cistercian order, which is part of the Roman Catholic Church. The white cowl that Cistercians wore over their robes gave them the nickname “White Monks.” The members of the ascetic order were well-known for their hard work, and they frequently supported local communities by farming or winemaking.
The Cistercians were a strict monastic order that emerged in the 11th century and were known as the “White Monks” because of the white robes they wore. The order was founded in 1098 by a group of Benedictine monks who sought a more austere and ascetic way of life. The Cistercians quickly became one of the most influential monastic orders in Europe, with hundreds of monasteries and thousands of monks throughout the continent.
The Cistercians were founded by a group of monks led by Robert of Molesme, who were dissatisfied with the laxity and worldliness of the Benedictine order. They sought a more rigorous and disciplined way of life, based on the principles of simplicity, poverty, and manual labor. The Cistercians emphasized prayer, contemplation, and manual labor as the primary means of achieving spiritual growth and enlightenment.
The Cistercian order quickly spread throughout Europe, with the first foundation outside of France established in 1115 in England. By the 12th century, there were over 500 Cistercian monasteries throughout Europe, including in Germany, Spain, Italy, and Scandinavia. The Cistercians played a significant role in the development of agriculture, industry, and commerce in medieval Europe, with many of their monasteries becoming centers of economic activity and innovation.
The Cistercians were also known for their contributions to art and architecture. They developed a distinctive style of Gothic architecture, characterized by simplicity, harmony, and a focus on natural light. Cistercian monasteries were often located in remote and isolated areas, and their architecture reflected their desire for simplicity and harmony with nature.
the Cistercians also faced challenges and controversies throughout their history. In the 13th century, the order faced criticism for its wealth and power, and some of its members were accused of corruption and abuse of power. The order also faced challenges from other monastic orders, including the Franciscans and Dominicans, who emphasized a more active and engaged approach to spirituality.
the Cistercian order continues to exist, with dozens of monasteries and thousands of monks and nuns throughout the world. While the order has evolved and changed over the centuries, its commitment to simplicity, prayer, and manual labor remains at the core of its spiritual and cultural identity. The Cistercians, as the “White Monks,” remain an important part of the history of monasticism and continue to inspire and influence people around the world.