RELIGIOUS ORDERS

In the Catholic Church, a religious order is indeed a community of consecrated life whose members profess solemn vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. These vows are typically taken for life, signifying a total commitment to the religious life within the context of the specific order's charism and mission. Religious orders play a crucial role in the Church's spiritual and apostolic life, engaging in various ministries such as education, healthcare, social work, missionary activities, contemplative prayer, and more. Each order follows a particular rule or constitutions that govern its way of life and mission, often founded by a saint or inspired by a specific spiritual tradition.

"Subcategories of Religious Orders in the Catholic Church"

1. Canons Regular: Canons and Canonesses Regular are members of religious communities who live in community under a rule (regula in Latin), recite the Divine Office (the Liturgy of the Hours), and serve a church or perhaps a parish. They often combine a life of prayer, communal living, and pastoral ministry.

2. Monastics: Monks or Nuns who live and work in a monastery, following a specific rule of life (such as the Rule of Saint Benedict for Benedictine monastics) and dedicating themselves primarily to prayer, contemplation, and manual labor. Monastics typically recite the Divine Office together as a community.

3. Mendicants: Friars or Religious Sisters who live a life of poverty, relying on alms (charitable donations) for their material needs. They also recite the Divine Office and engage in apostolic activities, such as preaching, teaching, and serving the poor. The most well-known mendicant orders are the Franciscans, Dominicans, and Carmelites.

4. Clerics Regular: Priests who belong to a religious order and take religious vows, such as poverty, chastity, and obedience. They are often engaged in active apostolic work, including pastoral ministry, education, and evangelization. Clerics Regular differ from diocesan priests in that they belong to a specific religious community with its own rule of life and governance structure.

Catholic religious orders have a rich history dating back to the early centuries of Christianity. These early orders played significant roles in the spiritual, cultural, and social life of medieval Europe, influencing religious practice, intellectual development, and charitable activities. They laid the foundations for the rich tapestry of Catholic religious life that continues to flourish today.

1. Order of Saint Benedict: Founded by Saint Benedict of Nursia in the 6th century (circa 529 AD), the Benedictines follow the Rule of Saint Benedict, which emphasizes a life of prayer, work, and community living. The Benedictine monasteries became centers of learning, culture, and hospitality throughout Europe.
2. Norbertine Order of Premonstratensians: Founded by Saint Norbert of Xanten in 1120, the Premonstratensians, also known as the Norbertines, follow the Rule of Saint Augustine and focus on the apostolic life, combining contemplation with active ministry, particularly in pastoral work and preaching.
3. Poor Ladies (Poor Clares): Founded by Saint Clare of Assisi in 1212, the Poor Clares are an order of Franciscan nuns who live a life of radical poverty, simplicity, and prayer. They follow the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Clare, emphasizing humility, contemplation, and service to the poor.
4. English Benedictine Congregation: Established in 1216, the English Benedictine Congregation comprises a group of Benedictine monasteries in England. They follow the Rule of Saint Benedict and are known for their contributions to spirituality, education, and missionary work.
5. Benedictine Communities Connected to Cluny Abbey: Cluny Abbey, founded in 910, became a center of monastic reform and spirituality in medieval Europe. Many Benedictine monasteries and priories were connected to Cluny and adopted its monastic practices and spiritual ideals.
6. Cistercian Order: The Cistercians, also known as the Bernardines after their founder Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, emerged as a reform movement within the Benedictine tradition in the 11th century. They sought to return to a simpler form of monastic life characterized by manual labor, self-sufficiency, and austerity.

The emergence of mendicant orders in the 12th and 13th centuries marked a significant development in the history of Catholic religious life. Here's a brief overview of some of these mendicant orders:

1. Carmelites: The Carmelite Order, founded on Mount Carmel in the 12th century, traces its roots to a group of hermits who dedicated themselves to a life of prayer and contemplation. They later became mendicant friars, spreading throughout Europe and engaging in various apostolic activities, including preaching and teaching.

2. Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans): Founded by Saint Francis of Assisi in the early 13th century, the Franciscans embraced a life of poverty, humility, and simplicity, following the example of Christ and his apostles. They lived among the people, preaching the Gospel and serving the poor and marginalized.

3. Dominican Order: Established by Saint Dominic de Guzman in the early 13th century, the Dominicans (officially known as the Order of Preachers) focused on preaching, teaching, and intellectual pursuits. They played a key role in combating heresy and promoting theological education.

4. Order of the Most Holy Trinity (Trinitarians): Founded in the late 12th century by Saint John de Matha and Saint Felix of Valois, the Trinitarians were dedicated to the ransom and liberation of Christians enslaved by non-Christians, particularly during the Crusades. They combined a life of prayer with active charity and mercy.

5. Order of Saint Augustine (Augustinians): While originally founded in the 4th century by Saint Augustine of Hippo, the Augustinian Order underwent reform and renewal in the Middle Ages. They embraced a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience, serving in various apostolic ministries, including education and pastoral care.

6. Teutonic Order: Initially founded as a military order in the late 12th century during the Crusades, the Teutonic Order later evolved into a primarily monastic and charitable organization. They focused on providing medical care, education, and assistance to the sick and needy, particularly in the Baltic region.

These mendicant orders revolutionized religious life by adopting a life of radical poverty, itinerancy, and apostolic zeal. They eschewed the ownership of property, relying instead on begging for alms and serving wherever they were needed. Their decentralized leadership structures empowered individual members to engage directly in the work of evangelization and service to others.

"Chronicles of Faith: Tracing the Evolution of Religious Orders Through the Centuries"

4th Century:

• c. 270 AD - 346 AD: Saint Anthony of Egypt, also known as Saint Anthony the Great, is considered one of the earliest Christian monks and is credited with initiating Christian monasticism. He withdrew to the Egyptian desert around 270 AD to live an ascetic life of prayer, fasting, and solitude. His example inspired many others to follow a similar path, leading to the establishment of monastic communities in Egypt and beyond.

• c. 330 AD - 379 AD: Saint Basil the Great, along with his sister Saint Macrina and friend Saint Gregory of Nazianzus, played a significant role in shaping the monastic tradition in the Eastern Christian Church. Basil founded several monastic communities in Asia Minor and wrote influential works on monasticism, including his "Rules," which became foundational for Eastern Christian monastic life.

• c. 345 AD - 399 AD: Saint Martin of Tours is known for his ascetic lifestyle and charitable works. He established a monastery in France and promoted monasticism throughout Gaul (modern-day France) during his episcopacy.

5th Century:

• c. 480 AD - 547 AD: Saint Benedict of Nursia, often referred to as the father of Western monasticism, establishes the monastery of Monte Cassino in Italy around 529 AD. He writes the Rule of Saint Benedict, a guide for communal monastic living that emphasizes prayer, work, and obedience. The Benedictine monastic tradition becomes widespread throughout Western Europe and forms the basis for many later religious orders.

• c. 485 AD - 563 AD: Saint Germanus of Auxerre is credited with promoting monasticism and missionary work in Gaul (modern-day France). He founded several monasteries and played a key role in combating heresies and promoting orthodox Christianity in the region.

• c. 480 AD - 540 AD: Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, establishes monastic communities in Ireland during the 5th century. These monasteries become centers of learning, spirituality, and missionary activity, contributing to the spread of Christianity throughout Ireland and beyond.

6th Century:

• 520 AD: Saint Benedict of Nursia establishes the monastery of Subiaco in Italy, where he begins his monastic life and lays the groundwork for his later monastic Rule.
• 529 AD: Saint Benedict of Nursia founds the monastery of Monte Cassino, where he writes the Rule of Saint Benedict, which becomes the foundation for Western monasticism.
• 540 AD: Saint Caesarius of Arles establishes a monastery in southern France and promotes monasticism throughout the region, contributing to its spread in Gaul.
• 547 AD: Saint Benedict of Nursia dies, leaving behind a legacy of monasticism and spirituality that continues to influence religious life for centuries.
• 589 AD: Saint Columbanus founds the monastery of Luxeuil in France, where he promotes a strict monastic rule and the Irish monastic tradition.

7th Century:

• 590 AD: Saint Gregory the Great becomes Pope and encourages monasticism and missionary activity.
• 589-596 AD: Saint Columbanus founds the monastery of Luxeuil in France, promoting a strict monastic rule.
• 612 AD: Saint Columbanus founds the monastery of Bobbio in Italy, which becomes a center of learning and spirituality.
• 614 AD: Saint Hilda establishes the monastery of Whitby in England, which becomes a significant center of learning and spirituality in Anglo-Saxon England.
• 650 AD: Saint Bathilde, wife of the Frankish king, establishes the Abbey of Chelles in France, which becomes a center of education and social welfare.

8th Century:

• 717 AD: Saint Boniface, the Apostle of Germany, establishes monasteries and promotes the Benedictine Rule in the Frankish territories.
• 718 AD: Saint Willibrord establishes the monastery of Echternach in present-day Luxembourg, which becomes a center of learning and missionary activity.
• 739 AD: Saint Bede, also known as the Venerable Bede, completes his "Ecclesiastical History of the English People," providing invaluable insights into the history of Christianity in England.
• 746 AD: Saint Odilo becomes abbot of Cluny Abbey in France and initiates reforms that lead to the Cluniac movement, promoting centralized authority and spiritual renewal within monasticism.
• 768 AD: Charlemagne becomes king of the Franks and later, in 800 AD, is crowned Holy Roman Emperor, leading to increased support for monasticism and the spread of Christianity throughout his empire.

11th Century:

• 1046 AD: The Camaldolese Order is founded by Saint Romuald, emphasizing a solitary and contemplative life following the Rule of Saint Benedict.

• 1084 AD: Saint Bruno founds the Carthusian Order with the establishment of the Grande Chartreuse monastery in the French Alps. The Carthusians prioritize solitude, silence, and contemplative prayer.

• 1098 AD: The Cistercian Order is founded by Saint Robert of Molesme, Saint Alberic of Cîteaux, and Saint Stephen Harding at Cîteaux Abbey in France. The order emphasizes a return to the austerity and simplicity of the Rule of Saint Benedict.

12th Century:

• 1115 AD: Saint Bernard of Clairvaux founds the Abbey of Clairvaux, becoming one of the most influential Cistercian monasteries and a center of spirituality, scholarship, and reform.

• 1119 AD: The Knights Templar are established by Hugh de Payens and Geoffrey of St. Omer in Jerusalem, initially as a military order tasked with protecting Christian pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land.

• 1120 AD: Saint Norbert founds the Premonstratensian Order (Norbertines) in Prémontré, France. The order follows the Rule of Saint Augustine and emphasizes a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience, along with pastoral ministry and evangelization.

• 1132 AD: The Order of the Knights Templar is officially recognized by the Church at the Council of Troyes, receiving privileges and exemptions.

• 1140 AD: Saint Gilbert of Sempringham founds the Gilbertine Order in England, which is unique for its inclusion of both men and women in separate but interconnected communities.

• 1170 AD: The Order of Saint Lazarus is established, initially as a hospitaller order caring for lepers, later evolving into a military order dedicated to defending the Holy Land.

• 1191 AD: The Order of Saint John of Jerusalem (Knights Hospitaller) is formally recognized by Pope Celestine III, solidifying its role in caring for the sick and injured pilgrims in the Holy Land.

13th Century:

• 1209 AD: Saint Francis of Assisi receives papal approval for the establishment of the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans), emphasizing poverty, humility, and preaching.

• 1215 AD: Saint Dominic de Guzmán establishes the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), focusing on preaching, education, and combating heresy.

• 1216 AD: Pope Honorius III approves the Rule of the Order of Friars Minor, formalizing the Franciscan Order's foundation.

• 1218 AD: Saint Albert of Jerusalem composes the Rule of the Carmelites, establishing the Carmelite Order on Mount Carmel in the Holy Land.

• 1221 AD: Saint Dominic receives papal approval for the Dominican Order's Rule, officially establishing the Order of Preachers.

• 1223 AD: Pope Honorius III approves the Rule of Saint Francis, confirming the Franciscan Order's foundation and mission.

• 1228 AD: Saint Raymond of Penyafort founds the Order of Mercedarians, dedicated to the redemption of Christian captives from Muslim slavery.

• 1245 AD: Pope Innocent IV approves the Rule of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Servites), founded by seven Florentine merchants devoted to the Seven Sorrows of Mary.

• 1256 AD: Saint Bonaventure, with Pope Alexander IV's approval, reforms the Franciscan Order, resulting in the creation of the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans) and the Order of Friars Minor Conventual.

• 1274 AD: Saint Albert the Great, with Pope Gregory X's approval, establishes the Order of Saint Albert (Albertines), a branch of the Carmelite Order.

13th Century:

• 1221 AD: Saint Dominic receives papal confirmation for the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), focusing on preaching and study.
• 1244 AD: Pope Innocent IV approves the Rule of Saint Augustine for the Hermits of Saint Augustine, later known as the Augustinian Order.
• 1274 AD: Pope Gregory X officially recognizes the Rule of Saint Augustine for the Order of Saint Augustine (Augustinians).

15th Century:

• 1406 AD: The Carthusian Order establishes its first charterhouse in Germany, expanding its presence beyond France and Italy.

• 1416 AD: The Order of Penance of Saint Augustine (Augustinian Hermits) receives papal recognition as an independent mendicant order.

• 1430 AD: The Brigittine Order, also known as the Order of the Most Holy Savior, establishes its first monastery in England.

• 1450 AD: The Order of Saint Jerome, also known as the Hieronymites, founds the Monastery of Santa Maria de Belém in Lisbon, Portugal.

• 1473 AD: The Observant Franciscans are recognized as a distinct branch within the Franciscan Order, advocating for a stricter observance of poverty and simplicity.

• 1489 AD: The Olivetan Congregation, a reform movement within the Benedictine Order, is founded by Saint Bernardine of Siena.

• 1498 AD: The Theatine Order, officially known as the Congregation of Clerics Regular of the Divine Providence, is established by Saint Cajetan of Thiene and Cardinal Giovanni Pietro Carafa in Italy.

• 1499 AD: The Congregation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as the Jesuate Fathers, is founded by Saint Giovanni Colombini in Siena, Italy.

16th Century:

• 1506 AD: The Society of Jesus (Jesuits) is founded by Saint Ignatius of Loyola and his companions, receiving papal approval in 1540. The Jesuits become renowned for their educational, missionary, and charitable works worldwide.

• 1516 AD: The Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (Trappists) is established as a reform movement within the Cistercian Order, emphasizing a return to the strict observance of the Rule of Saint Benedict.

• 1517 AD: The Capuchin Franciscan Order is established as a reform movement within the Franciscan Order, focusing on a return to the original ideals of Saint Francis of Assisi with a stricter observance of poverty and austerity.

• 1525 AD: The Order of Augustinian Recollects is founded within the Augustinian Order, advocating for a stricter adherence to the Rule of Saint Augustine with an emphasis on contemplative life and austerity.

• 1535 AD: The Order of Ursulines is founded by Saint Angela Merici in Italy, dedicated to the education of girls and the care of the sick and needy.

• 1540 AD: The Theatine Order is founded by Saint Cajetan of Thiene and Giovanni Pietro Carafa, later Pope Paul IV, in Italy. The Theatines focus on apostolic works, reforming clergy, and combating heresy.

• 1540 AD: The Barnabites, officially known as the Clerics Regular of St. Paul, are founded by Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria in Milan, Italy, emphasizing apostolic activities and spiritual renewal.

• 1582 AD: The Discalced Carmelite Order is established as a reform movement within the Carmelite Order by Saint Teresa of Ávila and Saint John of the Cross, focusing on contemplative prayer and strict observance of the rule.

• 1592 AD: The Congregation of the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri is founded by Saint Philip Neri in Rome, Italy, promoting a life of prayer, community, and service, particularly among laypeople.

17th Century:

• 1609 AD: The Vincentians, also known as the Congregation of the Mission, are founded by Saint Vincent de Paul and Saint Louise de Marillac in France, focusing on preaching missions, caring for the poor, and training priests.
• 1611 AD: The Order of Discalced Carmelites is established by Saint Teresa of Ávila and Saint John of the Cross, emphasizing contemplative prayer and austerity.
• 1617 AD: The Capuchin Franciscan Order is recognized as an independent branch of the Franciscan Order, following a stricter observance of the Rule of Saint Francis.
• 1633 AD: The Ursuline Sisters of the Roman Union are founded in France by Saint Angela Merici, focusing on the education of girls and the care of the sick and needy.
• 1654 AD: The Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, also known as the Daughters of Charity, are established in France by Saint Vincent de Paul and Saint Louise de Marillac, dedicated to serving the poor and sick.
• 1674 AD: The Trappist Order, officially known as the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, is established by Armand Jean le Bouthillier de Rancé, focusing on monastic reform and strict observance of the Rule of Saint Benedict.

18th Century:

• 1703: The Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration are founded in France by Saint Jeanne Jugan, focusing on Eucharistic adoration and care for the elderly.
• 1725: The Ursuline Sisters of Quebec are established in Canada, focusing on education and the care of women and children.
• 1732: The Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary is founded in Spain by Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, emphasizing a life of prayer and devotion.
• 1755: The Missionaries of Africa, also known as the White Fathers, are founded by Cardinal Charles Lavigerie in Algeria, focusing on missionary work in Africa.
• 1773: The Jesuits are suppressed by Pope Clement XIV as part of the suppression of the Society of Jesus, leading to the dissolution of Jesuit communities and the dispersal of its members.
• 1774: The Society of Jesus is restored by Pope Pius VI, allowing the Jesuits to resume their work in education, missions, and spirituality.
• 1789: The Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul are founded in France by Saint Louise de Marillac and Saint Vincent de Paul, focusing on serving the poor and sick.

19th Century:

• 1809: The Sisters of Mercy, founded by Catherine McAuley in Dublin, Ireland, are established to serve the poor, sick, and uneducated.
• 1817: The Marist Brothers, founded by Saint Marcellin Champagnat in France, begin their work in education and youth ministry.
• 1845: The Oblates of Mary Immaculate, founded by Saint Eugène de Mazenod in France, are established to serve the poor and marginalized, particularly in rural areas.
• 1850: The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet are founded in the United States by Mother St. John Fontbonne, focusing on education, healthcare, and social services.
• 1868: The Passionists, founded by Saint Paul of the Cross in Italy, begin their mission of preaching and promoting devotion to the Passion of Christ.
• 1873: The Little Sisters of the Poor, founded by Saint Jeanne Jugan in France, are established to care for the elderly poor.
• 1879: The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, founded in Quebec, Canada, expand their mission to the United States, focusing on education and social services.
• 1885: The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, founded by Saint Mother Theodore Guerin in Indiana, USA, establish their motherhouse and begin their work in education, healthcare, and social justice.
• 1891: The Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, founded by Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini in Italy, begin their mission to serve immigrants and provide healthcare, education, and social services.

20th Century:

• 1921: The Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa, begin their work in Kolkata, India, providing care for the sick, homeless, and dying.
• 1928: The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal are founded in New York City, focusing on a return to the original charism of the Franciscan order with an emphasis on poverty, prayer, and evangelization.
• 1944: The Society of Christ for Polish Immigrants is established in the United States to serve the spiritual needs of Polish immigrants.
• 1950: The Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of the Mother of God are founded in Poland, with a focus on missionary work and evangelization.
• 1965: The Sisters of Life are founded in New York City by Cardinal John O'Connor, dedicated to promoting the sanctity of human life and providing support for pregnant women.
• 1971: The Community of Sant'Egidio is founded in Rome, Italy, with a focus on prayer, solidarity with the poor, and peacebuilding efforts around the world.
• 1981: The Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word are established in Alabama, USA, with a focus on evangelization through the media and promoting devotion to the Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
• 1994: The Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Church, are founded in the Philippines, with a mission to evangelize through education, catechesis, and pastoral care.

This timeline highlights key moments in the development of Catholic religious orders, showcasing their diverse charisms and contributions to the Church and society.

"Journeying Towards the Divine: Nurturing the Soul in Spiritual Exploration"

Catholic religious orders serve individuals in various ways, providing spiritual guidance, support, and opportunities for service. Here's how they help a person:

1. Spiritual Formation: Religious orders offer spiritual formation and guidance through prayer, meditation, and study of sacred texts. Members often engage in spiritual exercises, retreats, and communal worship, helping individuals deepen their relationship with God and grow in their faith.

2. Community Life: Religious communities provide a supportive environment for individuals to live out their faith in community with others who share similar values and beliefs. This sense of belonging fosters friendships, solidarity, and mutual support, enriching one's spiritual journey.

3. Vocational Discernment: Many people turn to religious orders for assistance in discerning their vocation, whether it be to the priesthood, religious life, or lay ministry. Orders offer discernment retreats, spiritual direction, and mentorship to help individuals explore their calling and make informed decisions about their future.

4. Service and Ministry: Catholic religious orders are deeply involved in various forms of service and ministry, including education, healthcare, social work, pastoral care, and missionary activities. Members of religious orders dedicate their lives to serving others, following the example of Jesus Christ, who came not to be served but to serve.

5. Holistic Development: Religious orders focus on the holistic development of individuals, nurturing their spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and physical well-being. Members engage in ongoing formation programs, continuing education, and personal growth opportunities to become more fully human and live out their vocations authentically.

6. Witness and Inspiration: Religious orders serve as witnesses to the Gospel values of love, compassion, humility, and justice. Their lives of prayer, simplicity, and service inspire others to live more fully in accordance with their faith and values, making a positive impact on society and the world.

Overall, Catholic religious orders provide invaluable support and resources for individuals seeking to deepen their spiritual lives, discern their vocations, and live out their faith in meaningful ways. Through their ministries, communities, and witness, religious orders help people grow closer to God and live out the Gospel message in their daily lives.

"Founders and Legacies: Religious Orders Through Time"

1. Society of Jesus (Jesuits) - Ignatius of Loyola - 1540
2. Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans) - St. Francis of Assisi - 1209
3. Dominican Order (Dominicans) - St. Dominic - 1216
4. Benedictine Order - St. Benedict of Nursia - 529
5. Order of Preachers (Dominicans) - St. Dominic - 1216
6. Order of Saint Augustine (Augustinians) - St. Augustine of Hippo - 1244
7. Society of Jesus Christ the Priest - Father Felix Rougier - 1958
8. Congregation of Holy Cross - Blessed Basil Moreau - 1837
9. Carmelite Order (Carmelites) - Berthold of Calabria - 1154
10. Society of Saint Paul - Blessed James Alberione - 1914
11. Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans) - Claude Poullart des Places - 1703
12. Salesians of Don Bosco - St. John Bosco - 1859
13. Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists) - St. Alphonsus Liguori - 1732
14. Missionaries of Charity - Mother Teresa - 1950
15. Legion of Christ - Marcial Maciel - 1941
16. Oblates of Mary Immaculate - St. Eugene de Mazenod - 1816
17. Order of Saint Paul the First Hermit (Pauline Fathers) - Saint Paul of Thebes - 1215
18. Canons Regular of the Order of the Holy Cross (Crosiers) - Theodore de Celles - 1210
19. Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul - St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac - 1633
20. Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers) - Charles Lavigerie - 1868
21. Oratory of Saint Philip Neri (Oratorians) - St. Philip Neri - 1575
22. Franciscan Missionaries of Mary - Mary of the Passion - 1877
23. Society of Saint Edmund - Jean Baptiste Muard - 1843
24. Little Sisters of Jesus - Little Sister Magdeleine - 1939
25. Ursulines - Angela Merici - 1535
26. Franciscan Friars of the Renewal - Andrew Apostoli, Benedict Groeschel, and others - 1987
27. Passionists - Saint Paul of the Cross - 1720
28. Brothers of Christian Instruction of St. Gabriel - Blessed Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort - 1819
29. Vincentians (Congregation of the Mission) - St. Vincent de Paul - 1625
30. Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception - Saint Stanislaus of Jesus and Mary Papczyński - 1670
31. Servite Order (Servants of Mary) - Seven Founders - 1233
32. Missionaries of the Sacred Heart - Jules Chevalier - 1854
33. Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy (Mercedarians) - Peter Nolasco - 1218
34. Sisters of Charity - Saint Vincent de Paul - 1633
35. Sisters of St. Joseph - Jean-Pierre Médaille - 1650
36. Passionist Nuns - St. Paul of the Cross - 1771
37. Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate - Eugene de Mazenod - 1816
38. Trappists (Cistercians of the Strict Observance) - Armand Jean le Bouthillier de Rancé - 1664
39. Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (Picpus Fathers) - Pierre Coudrin and Henriette Aymer de la Chevalerie - 1800
40. Sisters of the Immaculate Conception - Jean-Marie de la Mennais and Marie Françoise Perroton - 1816
41. Camaldolese - Saint Romuald - 1012
42. Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy - Saint Faustina Kowalska - 1862
43. Congregation of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (De La Salle Brothers) - St. Jean-Baptiste de La Salle - 1680
44. Canons Regular of the Holy Cross - Blessed Theodore de Celles - 1210
45. Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (Trappists) - Armand Jean le Bouthillier de Rancé - 1664
46. Society of the Priests of Saint Sulpice (Sulpicians) - Jean-Jacques Olier - 1641
47. Marist Brothers - Marcellin Champagnat - 1817
48. Brothers of the Christian Schools (La Salle Brothers) - St. Jean-Baptiste de La Salle - 1680
49. Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus - Clelia Merloni - 1894
50. Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (De La Salle Brothers) - St. Jean-Baptiste de La Salle - 1680
51. Rédemptoristines - Alphonsus Liguori - 1731
52. Daughters of Wisdom - Louis de Montfort - 1703
53. Congregation of the Sisters of the Resurrection - Edmond Bojanowski - 1842
54. Monks of Norcia - St. Benedict of Nursia - 2000
55. Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth - Frances Siedliska - 1875
56. Xaverian Brothers - Theodore James Ryken - 1839
57. Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus - Clelia Merloni - 1894
58. Missionaries of the Precious Blood - St. Gaspar del Bufalo - 1815
59. School Sisters of Notre Dame - Blessed Theresa Gerhardinger - 1833
60. Xaverian Missionaries - Guido Maria Conforti - 1895
61. Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods - Saint Mother Theodore Guerin - 1840
62. Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus - Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini - 1880
63. Sisters of Saint Anne - Marie-Esther Blondin - 1850
64. Apostolic Oblates - Augustus Tolton - 1885
65. Maronite Monks of Adoration - Francis Zayek - 2000
66. Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus - Daniel Comboni - 1867
67. Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus - Rafaela Maria Porras Ayllón - 1877
68. Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross - Mother Maria Theresia Scherer - 1856
69. Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Mother Mary Frances Clarke - 1833
70. Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Nano Nagle - 1775
71. Sisters of the Holy Cross - Mother Angela Gillespie - 1841
72. Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration - Mother Mary Anselma Felber - 1874
73. Sisters of Providence - Mother Émilie Gamelin - 1843
74. Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George - Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel - 1863
75. Missionary Sisters of St. Peter Claver - Peter Claver - 1894
76. Congregation of the Sisters of Bon Secours - Marie-Joseph Butler - 1824
77. Daughters of St. Paul - Blessed James Alberione - 1915
78. Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny - Anne-Marie Javouhey - 1807
79. Little Sisters of the Poor - Jeanne Jugan - 1839
80. Sisters of Charity of Nevers - Vincent de Paul - 1680
81. Canons Regular of Premontre (Premonstratensians) - St. Norbert of Xanten - 1120
82. Augustinian Recollects - St. Augustine - 1588
83. Pallottines - St. Vincent Pallotti - 1835
84. Sisters of the Holy Family of Bordeaux - Pierre Bienvenu Noailles - 1820
85. Sisters of the Good Shepherd - Saint Mary Euphrasia Pelletier - 1835
86. Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Marie-Angélique Arnaud - 1854
87. Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods - Saint Mother Theodore Guerin - 1840
88. Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia - Mother Francis Bachmann - 1855
89. Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary (Marist Sisters) - Jean-Claude Colin - 1832
90. Sisters of Mercy - Catherine McAuley - 1831
91. Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother - Mother Frances Streitel - 1883
92. Brothers of the Sacred Heart - Blessed André Coindre - 1821
93. Passionist Sisters - Saint Paul of the Cross - 1852
94. Brothers of Charity - Peter Joseph Triest - 1807
95. Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (Christian Brothers) - St. Jean-Baptiste de La Salle - 1680
96. Handmaids of Mary - Mother Mary Michael Cummings - 1944
97. Missionaries of Charity Brothers - Mother Teresa - 1963
98. Sisters of the Precious Blood - Maria Anna Brunner - 1834
99. School Sisters of St. Francis - Mother Alexia Hoell - 1873
100. Felician Sisters - Mary Angela Truszkowska - 1855

Please note that the exact founding dates of some orders may vary slightly depending on sources.

👉 The Augustinian

👉 The Benedictines
👉 The Basilian Fathers
👉 The Bridgittines or Salvatorians
👉 The Cistercians
👉 The Camillians or Clerics Regular
👉 The Congregation of Christian Brothers

👉 The Carmelites

👉 The Carthusian

👉 The Poor Clares or The Clarissine

👉 Order of Friars Minor Capuchin

👉 The Dominican

👉 The Franciscans

👉 The Salesians of Don Bosco 

👉 The Ursulines

👉 The Jesuits or The Society of Jesus 

👉 The Premonstratensians, Norbertines, or White Canons

👉 The Redemptorists

👉 The Servites

👉 The Trappists

👉 The Passionists

👉 The Vincentians, Paules, Lazarists, or Lazarians or Congregation of the Mission

👉 The Verbites or the Divine Word Missionaries or Steyler Missionaries

👉 The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate

👉 The Missionaries of Charity 

👉 The Religious Sisters of Mercy

👉 Doctors of the Church

👉 Order Abbreviations

👉 Institutes of Consecrated Life