Exclaustration (/ɪksklɔːsˈtreɪʃən/) is a rarely used word that refers to the act of temporarily or permanently removing someone from a religious order. The word is of Latin origin and is made up of two parts, "ex" meaning out of and "claustrum" meaning cloister or monastery. The spelling of the word can be challenging due to the unusual combination of "clau" and "str" sounds. It is important to note that the word is not commonly used and may require additional explanation or context for readers.
Exclaustration refers to the act or process of temporarily withdrawing from a religious order or community or leaving a religious vocation for a designated period of time. This term is most commonly used in the context of Catholicism and other Christian religious traditions.
Exclaustration serves as a means for individuals who have taken vows as religious monks, nuns, or priests to temporarily suspend their religious obligations and take a break from their religious life. It allows them to live in the outside world, engage in secular activities, and experience a different lifestyle for a specific period of time. The duration of exclaustration can vary from months to years, depending on the specific circumstances and the consent of religious authorities.
During this period of exclaustration, individuals may choose to pursue further education, engage in meaningful work or volunteer activities, or simply explore different aspects of life outside the religious community. Exclaustration provides an opportunity for self-discovery, personal growth, and the possibility of reassessing one's vocational calling.
It is important to note that exclaustration is not considered permanent laicization or leaving the religious order altogether. Rather, it is a temporary release from religious life, with the expectation that individuals will eventually return to their community and continue their religious commitments. The decision to grant or request exclaustration is typically made in consultation with superiors or religious authorities, taking into consideration the well-being and spiritual development of the individual desiring the temporary release.
The word "exclaustration" derives from the Latin term "exclaustrare", which is a combination of two Latin elements: "ex", meaning "out" or "from", and "claustrum", meaning "enclosure" or "cloister". In religious contexts, a "cloister" refers to a monastery or convent where religious persons live a secluded or enclosed life.
Therefore, "exclaustration" literally means "to remove or release from a cloister or enclosure". In specific religious contexts, it is used to describe the act of temporarily or permanently leaving a monastic or religious community, often involving the cessation of religious vows and the departure from the cloistered life.