medieval monastic reform

Medieval monastic reform was a movement during the Middle Ages aimed at renewing spiritual discipline, strict observance, and moral integrity within monastic communities. Over time, some monasteries became lax in their practices, prompting reform efforts to restore original ideals of prayer, study, and communal living. These reforms often involved establishing stricter rules, emphasizing poverty, purity, and obedience, and sometimes creating new monastic orders. They played a key role in revitalizing religious life, strengthening spiritual commitment, and influencing wider society through religious and cultural renewal.