LAY BROTHER Meaning and
Definition
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A lay brother, also known as a lay friar or lay monk, refers to an individual who is a member of a religious order or community but does not possess the same level of ordination or religious vows as a priest or cleric. The term is commonly used in Christian religious traditions, such as Catholicism and some branches of Protestantism.
A lay brother is typically someone who, while being a devoted follower of the religious order, has chosen not to pursue the priesthood. Instead, they dedicate their lives to serving the order and its members through various lay occupations or roles, such as working at the monastery or convent, maintaining the buildings, farming, cooking, or engaging in manual labor. Lay brothers often take on tasks that support the day-to-day functioning of the religious community.
While they may not have undergone the same level of theological study and training as their ordained counterparts, lay brothers are still considered an integral part of the religious order. They contribute to the spiritual and material well-being of the community by embodying the values and principles of their order through their dedication, service, and commitment.
The role of a lay brother can vary depending on the specific tradition and religious order, but they often play an essential role in the communal life of the religious community, providing support and assistance to their fellow members. Their commitment to the order's principles and ideals is exemplified through their devotion, selfless service, and willingness to live a life of simplicity and humility.
Common Misspellings for LAY BROTHER
- kay brother
- pay brother
- oay brother
- lzy brother
- lsy brother
- lwy brother
- lqy brother
- lat brother
- lag brother
- lah brother
- lau brother
- la7 brother
- la6 brother
- lay vrother
- lay nrother
- lay hrother
- lay grother
- lay beother
- lay bdother
- lay bfother
Etymology of LAY BROTHER
The word "lay brother" originated from Old English and Middle English.
The term "lay" comes from the Old English word "lǣg" which meant "song, melody, or lay" and later evolved to refer to a person who is not a member of the clergy or a religious order. In this context, "lay" refers to someone who is not ordained and has not taken religious vows.
The word "brother" comes from the Old English word "brōþor" which means a male sibling or a fellow member of a religious or fraternal order. In the context of religious orders, a "brother" is someone who is not a priest or a cleric but is still a member of the community and participates in the work and activities of the order.
The term "lay brother" in its modern usage refers to a man who has formally joined a religious order but is not ordained as a priest.
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