The Beguines

The Beguines were a group of religious women in medieval Europe who chose to live in semi-monastic communities without taking formal vows. They dedicated themselves to prayer, service, and charitable work while maintaining personal independence and often raising families. Unlike nuns in a monastery, Beguines could leave their communities and manage personal affairs. They emerged mainly in the 12th and 13th centuries, offering a flexible way for women to engage in religious life and community service outside traditional ecclesiastical structures. Their movement emphasized devotion, community, and service, reflecting broader social and spiritual changes of the time.