THE YEAR 600 A.D. - MONASTICISM

As from the beginning of the Church, monasticism was central in the 600 A.D. Monasticism continued to flourish and monasticism would play an important part in the making of Europe in the following centuries. 

The great monastic orders of Ireland, Germany, Switzerland and Italy were beacons of learning and holiness throughout the medieval period. St. Columban corrected kings and denounced wickedness in the royal court. But his monastic rule was so stern that it gave way to the milder rule of St. Benedict. 

The rule of St. Benedict was more in consonance with the British personality and captured the heart of European monasticism. 

(updated 07-30-02)