The Carthusian Order

The Carthusian Order is a Catholic monastic community founded in the 11th century, emphasizing solitude, prayer, and silence. Recognized for their strict austerity, Carthusians live in individual hermitages within a large monastic complex, dedicated to a contemplative life focused on spiritual development. They balance solitary prayer with communal worship, adhering to rigorous vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Their distinctive lifestyle aims to foster deep reflection and closeness to God, making them one of the most ascetic and prayer-centric monastic orders in the Church.