Olivetans

A monastic order, originally separate and distinct from the Benedictine order, the Olivetan order, known through its history as the Order of Our Lady of Mount Olivet, was a small and not well-known Catholic order, founded in 1313 by Giovanni Tolomei--who took the religious name of Bernardo--along with two of his friends, from the noble families of Siena, Patrizio Patrizi and Ambrogio Piccolomini. They initially lived as hermits in a place called the "Accona desert." The building of the monastery began with the approbation of the "Charta fundationis" by Guido Tarlati, bishop of Arezzo (26 March 1319). The name Olivetan comes from the name of the order's original hermitage, called "Monte Oliveto" in honor of Christ?s Passion. (The monastery eventually took the name of Monte Oliveto "Maggiore" (Major) so as to distinguuish it from successive foundations at Florence, S.Giminiano, Naples, etc.) After the arrival of a number of new followers the nascent community accepted the Rule of St.Benedict and was recognised by Pope Clement VI in 1344. Since 1960, the order has been a congregation of the international Benedictine Confederation (see also the Order of St. Benedict site), established by Pope Leo XIII in 1887.

Related Topics:
Benedictine - 26 March - 1319 - Clement VI - Leo XIII

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Despite modern myths surrounding the prophesies of Catholic mystic St. Malachy, there is no connection between the Olivetan order and the current pope, Benedict XVI. While it is true that the Olivetan congregation is considered a branch of the Benedictine order, the same can be said of the many other monastic congregations that take as their guiding principle Rule of St. Benedict. More information can be found at the Catholic Encyclopedia Website, at http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11244c.htm

Related Topics:
Prophesies - St. Malachy - Benedict XVI - Benedictine

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