Lay Monasticism – What Is It?
Published November 12th, 2019
Lay monasticism is a growing movement worldwide that inspires people to live a monastic life at home and work. It’s a way of life patterned around intentional prayer, simplicity, and quiet contemplation.
Are you attracted to a life of prayer and devotion? Do you enjoy quiet contemplation and disciplined faith? Do you want to develop a closer relationship with God but don’t know how to start? Maybe you are called to a life of Lay Monasticism.
We are all called to serve God. But each of us has a way of answering this call. Some leave all their worldly possessions and enter the monastic life while many choose to become a Catholic laity and serve God devoutly as a layperson.
Lay monastic practitioners are no different than any other laypeople. Most of them are married, have kids, and are working in all sorts of jobs. The only difference is they live their lives according to the tenets of monastic spirituality.
Monastic Spirituality
A consecrated life isn’t the most significant distinguishing characteristic of monks and nuns. Rather, it’s the fact that the vocation they chose requires exclusivity.
A layperson can be a husband/wife and mother/father at the same time. On top of that, they can have several jobs and even run for public office. In short, they can have multiple professions and vocations at once.
The monastic life, on the other hand, does not allow a second or ministerial vocation. It is a fulltime commitment to God, sanctioned by public vows. In other words, you live for God alone, which is the ultimate act of honoring him.
Aside from exclusivity, a big part of monastic spirituality is dedicated to prayer and devotion. The prayers are mostly personal and private, guided by meditative reading and reflection of the Holy Scripture.
This orientation of complete devotion and contemplative meditation is manifested in a life of personal prayer, conversion, and separation from the secular world.
Benedictine Lay Monasticism
The Rule of St. Benedict forms the founding principle of Benedictine Monasticism. It was laid out by St. Benedict of Nursia for the monks who are living communally under the authority of an abbot.
Though initially intended for Benedictine monks, the rule has been adopted by other monastic communities. In modern Catholicism, these rules became the tenets of Benedictine Lay Monasticism.
Lay associates who choose this way of life are referred to as oblates, which means “offering.”
Benedictine oblates lead secular lives inspired by the spirituality of monks and nuns. This includes observing the Benedictine values of community, hospitality, humility, simplicity, prayer, and praise in their daily lives.
This worldwide movement is propelled by people who yearn to replicate monastic prayers and contemplation in their secular lives.
Seclusion from society is not a choice for everyone, especially those who have families to tend to. But Lay Monasticism gives them the chance to lead spiritual lives without having to live in monasteries.
One of the most prominent Benedictine Lay Monastic community is the Lay Cistercians. We are a fellowship of laypeople who seeks to have a deeper connection with God through prayer and contemplation. Anyone who shares this desire is always welcome to join us either as a guest or through the Lay Cistercian Formation Program.
(Related: The 12 Steps up the Mountain of Pride According to St. Bernard of Clairvaux)
Seek a Deeper Connection with God and Join Lay Cistercians of South Florida
Lay Cistercians of South Florida, is a community of lay people who seeks to have a deeper connection with God by living a life inspired by the monks and nuns through Lay Monasticism. Learn more about what is a Lay Cistercian on our website. Anyone who aspires to do the same as us, and is a confirmed Catholic is welcome to join us! We meet every second Saturday of the month at Emmanuel Catholic Church in Delray Beach, Florida.
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About The Author
Judy Ponio is a professional writer for the Lay Cistercians blog and a devoted Catholic. She works hard to ensure her work uses accurate facts by cross checking reputable sources.
