Ageing in religious orders: A different perspective on changes in contemporary monasticism

Abstract

Monastic life is based on tradition and rules. It produces a homogeneous and disciplined community. But with the ageing that has been affecting them for several decades, monastic communities are relaxing their rules and rhythms, to allow their elderly to continue to participate in common life (prayer, work, meals, etc.). At the same time, they must maintain a certain rigour, as much to remain attractive to young postulants as to present their guests the asceticism that characterises their tradition. The authors went to different monastic communities in Switzerland and France to carry out an ethnographic research. Using extracts from their field journal, they highlight how monks and nuns manage their lives and invent pragmatic solutions in order to redefine every day what it means and implies ‘to be a monk or nun’.