GILBERTINE ORDER Meaning and
Definition
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The Gilbertine Order refers to a medieval religious community known as an order of canons regular or monastic order, founded in the 12th century by Saint Gilbert of Sempringham in England. The order was named after its founder, and its members were commonly referred to as Gilbertines.
The Gilbertine Order was unique in that it was the only religious order within medieval Europe that contained both male and female communities, living separately but under the same rule. The order followed the Rule of Saint Benedict, placing emphasis on communal living, regular prayer, study, and manual labor. The male community comprised canons, while the female community consisted of nuns. They lived within the same monastic complex but maintained strict separation, with minimal interaction allowed.
The Gilbertine Order built numerous monasteries throughout England and gained immense popularity during the medieval period, amassing wealth, influence, and land. The canons and nuns within the order were renowned for their piety, commitment to education, and care for the sick and poor.
However, with the advent of the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century under Henry VIII, the Gilbertine Order faced significant challenges. The communities were disbanded, their lands seized, and their monasteries destroyed.
Today, the Gilbertine Order no longer exists as a functioning religious community. However, its historical significance remains, as it was one of the few monastic orders that successfully integrated male and female communities within a shared religious framework.
Etymology of GILBERTINE ORDER
The word "Gilbertine" is derived from the name of its founder, Saint Gilbert of Sempringham. The Order of Sempringham, also known as the Gilbertine Order, was named after Gilbert, an English saint who lived during the 12th century. The order was founded in the village of Sempringham, Lincolnshire, England, in 1131. It followed the Rule of Saint Benedict and had a unique feature of being a double monastery, meaning it housed both men and women in separate buildings, following a strict life of prayer, work, and simplicity.
