Benedictine vs. Passionists

Attribute	Benedictine	Passionists
Founder	St. Benedict of Nursia	St. Paul of the Cross
Order	Monastic	Religious
Focus	Prayer, work, community	Contemplation, crucifixion of Jesus
Monastic Rule	Rule of St. Benedict	Rule of St. Augustine
Habit	Black robe with hood	Black robe with a heart and a cross

History

The Benedictine Order, founded by St. Benedict of Nursia in the 6th century, is one of the oldest religious orders in the Catholic Church. The Benedictines are known for their commitment to prayer, work, and community life. They follow the Rule of St. Benedict, which emphasizes humility, obedience, and stability. On the other hand, the Passionists were founded by St. Paul of the Cross in the 18th century. They focus on the Passion of Jesus Christ and strive to spread devotion to the suffering and death of Jesus. The Passionists live a contemplative life and are known for their commitment to prayer and penance.

Lifestyle

Benedictines live in monasteries and follow a daily routine of prayer, work, and study. They engage in manual labor, such as farming or brewing, as a way to support themselves and their community. Benedictines also place a strong emphasis on hospitality and welcome guests into their monasteries. Passionists, on the other hand, live in communities called "retreats" and focus on prayer, contemplation, and preaching. They wear a distinctive black habit with a heart symbolizing the Passion of Christ. Passionists also take a vow to promote devotion to the Passion of Jesus.

Spirituality

Benedictine spirituality is rooted in the Rule of St. Benedict, which emphasizes ora et labora (prayer and work). Benedictines seek God through a life of prayer, community, and service. They strive for balance and moderation in all things and seek to live a life of humility and obedience. Passionist spirituality, on the other hand, is centered on the Passion of Jesus Christ. Passionists meditate on the suffering and death of Jesus as a way to deepen their relationship with God and grow in holiness. They also promote devotion to the Passion through preaching and retreats.

Mission

Benedictines are known for their commitment to stability and staying in one place for the rest of their lives. They focus on building a strong community and serving the needs of their local area. Benedictines run schools, hospitals, and retreat centers to serve the wider community. Passionists, on the other hand, have a more itinerant lifestyle and often travel to preach missions and retreats. They focus on spreading devotion to the Passion of Jesus and helping people deepen their relationship with God through prayer and reflection.

Community Life

Benedictines live in monastic communities where they share all things in common and support each other in their spiritual journey. They gather for communal prayer, meals, and work, and strive to live in harmony with one another. Benedictines also place a strong emphasis on hospitality and welcome guests into their monasteries. Passionists, on the other hand, live in smaller communities called "retreats" where they focus on prayer, contemplation, and preaching. They support each other in their spiritual life and work together to promote devotion to the Passion of Jesus.

Conclusion

While both Benedictines and Passionists are Catholic religious orders dedicated to a life of prayer, community, and service, they have distinct differences in their history, lifestyle, spirituality, mission, and community life. Benedictines follow the Rule of St. Benedict and focus on ora et labora, while Passionists center their spirituality on the Passion of Jesus Christ. Benedictines live in monasteries and focus on stability and hospitality, while Passionists live in retreats and focus on itinerant preaching and promoting devotion to the Passion. Both orders have made significant contributions to the Catholic Church and continue to inspire others to deepen their relationship with God.