Carthusians

Carthusians

The Carthusians are a Roman Catholic religious order of enclosed monastics founded by Saint Bruno of Cologne in 1084. The order combines eremitical and cenobitic life, with monks living in individual cells but coming together for communal activities. The Carthusians are known for their strict adherence to silence and solitude, as well as their dedication to prayer and contemplation.

History

The Carthusian Order was founded in 1084 when Saint Bruno and six companions established a hermitage in the Chartreuse Mountains near Grenoble, France. This location gave the order its name. The order received papal approval in 1170 from Pope Alexander III.

The Carthusians expanded throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, establishing monasteries known as "charterhouses." Despite the challenges of the Protestant Reformation and the French Revolution, the order has persisted and continues to operate today.

Way of Life

Carthusian monks live a life of solitude and silence, dedicating themselves to prayer, study, and manual labor. Each monk lives in a small cell, where he spends most of his day in prayer and work. The monks come together for communal prayer several times a day and share a meal once a week.

The Carthusian way of life is characterized by:

• Silence: Silence is a fundamental aspect of Carthusian life, allowing monks to focus on their spiritual journey.
• Solitude: Each monk lives in his own cell, fostering a deep personal relationship with God.
• Prayer: The daily schedule is centered around the Liturgy of the Hours and personal prayer.
• Manual Labor: Monks engage in work such as gardening, carpentry, or bookbinding to support the community.

Organization

The Carthusian Order is organized into priories, each led by a prior. The head of the entire order is the Prior of the Grande Chartreuse, the motherhouse of the order. The order is governed by the General Chapter, which meets every two years.

Notable Carthusian Monasteries

• Grande Chartreuse: The motherhouse of the Carthusian Order, located in the French Alps.
• Charterhouse of London: A former Carthusian monastery in England, dissolved during the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
• Charterhouse of Parma: A Carthusian monastery in Italy, famously depicted in the novel "The Charterhouse of Parma" by Stendhal.

Influence and Legacy

The Carthusians have had a significant influence on Christian monasticism, known for their strict adherence to the Rule of Saint Bruno and their commitment to a life of contemplation. The order's emphasis on solitude and silence has inspired many other religious communities.

The Carthusians are also known for producing the herbal liqueur Chartreuse, which is made by the monks of the Grande Chartreuse.

See Also

• Monasticism
• Saint Bruno of Cologne
• Liturgy of the Hours

References

• "The Carthusian Order". Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company.
• "Carthusians". Encyclopædia Britannica.

External Links

• Official website of the Carthusian Order