A primer on Jesuits, other Catholic Orders

Sometimes it's easy to forget that although the vast majority of Americans identify as Christian, this does not necessarily mean each American is familiar with characteristics of all or even most denominations. As the oldest Christian denomination, Catholicism is complex in structure and rich in history. Both may lend it to be more readily misunderstood, as illustrated in a recent bout of letters to the editor attacking and defending the Jesuit Order.

Even after attending many a Mass in several countries and graduating from a Catholic university (run by the Basilian Order), I encountered few Jesuits. The only Jesuit priest (belonging to an Order generally means one is a priest or nun, or at minimum a layperson committed to religious life) with whom I had regular contact was also one of my favorite professors, of ancient and medieval philosophy. In fact that's something Jesuits are particularly known for - teaching - so most are also highly educated in subjects both religious and non-religious.

Each Catholic Order represents a story in history. The earliest Orders began in the Middle East, where Jesus lived and where groups of devout followers first developed, later appearing in Europe and each implementing their faith in different ways or in reaction to historical events. Hence each religious Order has its own focus and function, although all vow to practice chastity, poverty and religious obedience. There are far too many here and abroad to name them all, but only a few are "enclosed" (sometimes called, "cloistered"), or segregated from the outside world; the rest are "contemplative," participating by varying degree and function in society. Another term used more often today is "active," to differentiate those Orders which spend more time in the community, such as the Jesuits and Dominicans.

Some of the better known religious Orders include:

Basilian: One of the latest and most active Orders, 19th Century. Motto: "Teach me goodness, discipline, and knowledge" - operative word is "teach." Basilians run many Catholic K-12 schools and colleges. Basilian.org

Benedictine: Cloistered/enclosed (but some have small contact with communities); founded Sixth Century. Motto: Prayer and work, no idle hands. Osb.org

Carmelite: Enclosed; origin debated (by or before 12th Century). Known for mysticism and devotion to Virgin Mary. Varied levels of cloister, some staying in cells, others participating in monastic community. Ocarm.org

Dominican (Order of Preachers): Contemplative/active; 13th Century. Developed from perceived need to be more engaged in local communities. St. Dominic is considered founder of the Rosary (a ritual, meditative series of short prayers). Especially in the case of nuns, many teach or work with children. Op.org

Jesuit (Society of Jesus): Contemplative; 16th Century. Perhaps the most active, certainly the most liberal of function, not requiring residence within a Jesuit community. They range from missionaries to famous scientists. Sjweb.info

Franciscan: Contemplative; 13th Century. Simplicity, penance, love for the poor. Disagree with Dominicans about which saints should be studied. Ofm.org

Trappist: Cloistered; 17th Century. A type of Benedictine, but stricter lifestyle; consume no meat, totally self-sufficient.

These are only general descriptions of Roman Catholic Orders and do not account for variety among their branches. Within some contemplative orders, for example, there are members who cloister themselves. Orders may also do things differently in different locations, nations, and throughout their histories. For more information, see each Order's official site listed above.

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Contact her at Sholeh@cdapress.com.