Carthusians

The Carthusians

The Carthusians, formally known as the Order of Carthusians (Latin: Ordo Cartusiensis), are an enclosed religious order within the Catholic Church. Founded in 1084 by Bruno of Cologne, the order uniquely blends solitary eremitical life with communal cenobitic monasticism. Their spiritual life is governed by their own rule, known as the Statutes, and is characterized by their motto, "Stat crux dum volvitur orbis" ("The Cross is steady while the world turns"), and a unique form of liturgy called the Carthusian Rite.

History and Development

The order's origins trace back to Bishop Hugh of Grenoble, who offered Bruno a secluded site in the Chartreuse Mountains. Here, Bruno and six companions established the first hermitage, comprising simple wooden cabins connected by a gallery. This initial settlement faced challenges, including an avalanche in 1132 that destroyed the hermitage and killed seven monks. The order's rule, the Consuetudines, is highly regarded for its clarity and effectiveness in guiding the monks toward their spiritual goals.

Historically, the Carthusians faced significant persecution during the Reformation and the French Revolution, which led to the abolition of many priories. Despite these upheavals, the order has persisted. Today, there are 23 charterhouses, with 18 for monks and 5 for nuns, spread across various countries. The monastery of Grande Chartreuse remains the Motherhouse of the order, and its monks have produced the alcoholic cordial Chartreuse since 1737.

Life in a Charterhouse

A Carthusian monastery, or charterhouse, typically consists of a number of individual "cells," which are small dwellings, each with a garden, built around a cloister. The emphasis is on contemplation, solitude, and silence. The community comprises choir monks (hermits) and lay brothers, who handle the manual labor and material needs of the monastery, enabling the choir monks to focus on prayer and study.

Choirmonks, who may be priests, live in cells that traditionally have a lower floor for storage and a workshop, and an upper floor with living and study spaces. Each cell includes a high-walled garden for meditation and cultivation. Meals are largely taken in solitude, with a revolving compartment called a "turn" facilitating the passage of food and items without direct contact. Carthusians observe perpetual abstinence from meat. They leave their cells primarily for three prayer services in the chapel, a weekly communal walk, and occasional community meals on feast days. Lay brothers also live a life of prayer and manual labor, complementing the work of the choir monks.

Notable Aspects

The Carthusians eschew the use of musical instruments in their worship, similar to the Byzantine Rite tradition. The order has also produced numerous saints, blesseds, and notable figures throughout its history. The production of Chartreuse liqueur by the monks of Grande Chartreuse is a well-known commercial aspect of the order. Recent attention has also come from the 2005 documentary "Into Great Silence," which offered rare glimpses into life within the hermitage.