The Vallombrosan Order: A History of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience

Vallombrosan is a term used to describe a type of religious community that originated in the 11th century in Italy. The Vallombrosans were a group of monks who lived in the Vallombrosa forest near Florence, Italy, and were known for their strict adherence to the Rule of St. Benedict and their commitment to a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

The Vallombrosan order was founded by a group of monks who had broken away from the larger Benedictine order in search of a more rigorous and ascetic form of monastic life. They established a number of monasteries throughout Italy, including the famous Monastery of Vallombrosa, which became a center of spirituality and learning.

One of the key features of the Vallombrosan order was their emphasis on manual labor and self-sufficiency. The monks were known for their skill in agriculture, viticulture, and other crafts, and they worked hard to support themselves through their own labor. This approach to monastic life was seen as a way of imitating the life of Jesus and his disciples, who were fishermen and laborers before they became religious leaders.

Today, the Vallombrosan order is still active in Italy and other parts of Europe, and it continues to be known for its commitment to prayer, work, and community life. The order's emphasis on manual labor and self-sufficiency has also inspired other religious communities and social movements, such as the Catholic Worker movement, which seeks to emulate the Vallombrosans' example of combining spirituality with social justice activism.