Jasna Góra - English – Pauline Order

Pauline Order

June 12, 2024, 11:06 a.m., M L

Here you will find the most important information about the Pauline Order – discover their history, mission, and the values that guide their daily life. Learn about their service to God and people. Find out what distinguishes the Paulines and why their spirituality attracts believers from all over the world.


What is the full name of the Pauline Order?

The full name of the Pauline Order is Ordo Sancti Pauli Primi Eremitae - Order of Saint Paul the First Hermit (OSPPE).

Who was St. Paul the Hermit of Thebes?

St. Paul the Hermit of Thebes lived in southern Egypt from 228 to 341. The Church recognized him as the first hermit during his canonization in 491 AD.

Where was the Pauline Order founded?

The Pauline Order was founded in Hungary.

Who gathered the first Pauline community?

The first Pauline community was gathered by Bartholomew, Bishop of Pécs.

Who is considered the father and founder of the Pauline Order?

Blessed Eusebius of Esztergom is considered the father and founder of the Pauline Order.

When and who officially approved the Order of Saint Paul the First Hermit?

In 1308, Cardinal Gentilis, the legate of Pope Clement V, granted the order the Rule of St. Augustine and officially approved the Order of Saint Paul the First Hermit.

Which countries did the Order operate in?

The Order operated in Hungary, Poland, Austria, Germany, Croatia, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, and South America.

Who brought the Paulines to Poland?

Prince Władysław Opolczyk brought the Paulines to Poland in 1382.

What is the significance of Jasna Góra in the history of the Order?

Jasna Góra became the spiritual capital of Poles and the mother of other Pauline monasteries.

When was the peak of the Pauline Order's development?

The peak of the Order's development was in the 16th century when there were 300 monasteries in 8 provinces.

What events caused great devastation to the Order?

The defeat of the Hungarian army at Mohács in 1526, Turkish invasions, and the Reformation caused great devastation to the Order.

What were the consequences of the partitions of Poland for the Order?

The partitions of Poland led to the suppression of many Pauline monasteries.

When did the Order begin to revive after the partitions of Poland?

The Paulines began to revive after Poland regained independence in 1918.

Where are the Pauline monasteries currently located in Poland?

In Poland, Pauline monasteries are located in, among other places, Częstochowa, Krakow and many other locations in Poland and the world.

What is the purpose of the Order of Saint Paul the First Hermit?

The purpose of the Order is the contemplation of God, the love of liturgical prayer, a hardworking and poor life, the practice of penance, the cult of the Mother of God, and apostolic activity.

What is the charism of the Pauline Order?

The Paulines are a contemplative-active order, formed over the years as a clerical order under papal law.

What is the goal of the Order of Saint Paul the First Hermit?

The goal of the Order is to cultivate the contemplation of God in solitude and the love of liturgical prayer.

What cult is particularly important to the Paulines?

The special cult of the Mother of God, expressed mainly in the imitation of Mary in the work of personal sanctification and apostolic activity, is very important to the Paulines.

How do the Paulines realize their apostolic zeal?
Guided by the Holy Spirit and sensitive to the signs of the times, the Paulines realize their apostolic zeal in the service of the Church and neighbors, especially through the proclamation of the Word of God, the witness of life, the administration of sacraments, particularly the sacrament of penance.

What are the main currents of the Pauline Order's life?

The essential form of Pauline spirituality is shaped by two main currents: contemplative life and apostolic activity.

More information about the Pauline Order.