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The longest lasting of the western [[Monasticism|monastic]] [[Order (religious)|orders]], the '''Benedictine Order''' traces its origins to the adoption of the monastic life by St. [[Benedict]] of Nursia ([[Norcia]]) in the early 6th century. 

Benedict, founder of the [[abbey|monastery]] of [[Monte Cassino]] between [[Naples]] and [[Rome]], wrote a "Rule" or plan of life for his monastery that remains an influence on monasticism today, the [[Rule of St Benedict]].

The motto of the Benedictine Order is: ''ora et labora,'' or "pray and work."  Benedictine life stresses both. Benedict, as leader of the group of men that grew up around him, developed a plan of life that stressed balance and moderation: a vegetarian diet, regular hours for sleep, regular hours for prayer, and regular hours for manual labor. 

The model for the monastic life under Benedict was the [[family]], with the [[abbot]] as father and all the monks as brothers. Priesthood was initially an unimportant part of monasticism - monks used the services of their local pastor. Because of this, female monasticism with an [[abbess]] as mother worked as well as male monasticism. 

See also:
:[[Camaldolese]] Order
:[[Cistercian]] Order
:[[Trappist]] Order
:[[Capuchin]] Order
:[[Autpert Ambrose]]

==External link==
*[http://www.osb.org/ The Order of Saint Benedict]

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'''Benedictine''' is also the name for an [[herb]]al [[liqueur]] based on [[brandy]], which was first made by the Benedictine [[monastery]] of [[Fecamp|F&eacute;camp]] in [[France]].  

The name "benedictine" is also given to a spread made with [[cucumber]]s, that was flavoured with the liqueur.  Benedictine is typically used to make cucumber [[sandwich]]es, which are then served as [[hors d'oeuvres]].

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====References====
* Adapted from the [[Wikipedia]] article, "Benedictine" [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benedictine http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benedictine], used under the [[GNU Free Documentation License]]