Carthusian

Carthusian is an adjective referring to the Carthusian Order, a Roman Catholic monastic order founded in 1084 by Saint Bruno of Cologne at the Grande Chartreuse in the Chartreuse Mountains of southeastern France. The term also denotes things related to the Chartreuse order and its houses, or to Saint Bruno himself. The order is formally known as the Order of Carthusian Fathers (Ordo Cartusiensis).

Carthusians pursue a contemplative, eremitic form of monastic life. Monks live largely in individual cells within a charterhouse, where they practice prayer, study, and manual labor in solitude. Communal activities occur only periodi- cally, such as the Divine Office and occasional meals, reflecting a distinctive balance of solitary and corporate worship. They take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and their way of life emphasizes silence, stability in their house, and emphasis on interior prayer.

The hierarchy centers on the mother house, the Grand Chartreuse, and on individual charterhouses led by priors. The order has had a significant historical influence on Catholic spirituality, though it remains a relatively small and highly ascetic community. In addition to their religious duties, Carthusians have long been associated with the production of Chartreuse liqueur, developed by monks at the Grande Chartreuse, which has become widely known outside monastic circles.

Today, Carthusian communities continue to exist in various countries, maintaining a life of contemplation and limited external contact. The term Carthusian should not be confused with Carthaginian, which relates to the ancient city of Carthage in North Africa; the former specifically refers to the Chartreuse order and its members.