A member of a religious institute lives in community with other members of the institute and observes the three evangelical counsels of … See more

Admittance to a religious institute is regulated by the requirements canon law states. Religious profession can be temporary or perpetual: "Temporary profession is to be … See more

Religious institutes normally begin as an association formed, with the consent of the diocesan bishop, for the purpose of becoming a religious institute. After time has provided proof of the rectitude, seriousness and durability of the new association, the … See more

Since every religious institute has its own unique charism, it adheres to a particular way of religious living whether contemplative See more

• Traditionally, institutes for men are referred to as the "first orders".
• Those of women as the second orders.
• Some religious orders, for example the Franciscans or the See more

Religious institutes generally follow one of the four great religious rules: Rule of St Basil, Rule of Saint Benedict, Rule of Saint Augustine, and the Rule of Saint Francis. The Rule of St … See more

First millennium
Roots in Egypt and Syriac- and Greek-speaking East
From the earliest … See more