religious order

Cultural  

1. In Christianity, a group of men or women who live under religious vows. The three vows commonly taken are to relinquish all possessions and personal authority (vows of poverty and obedience) and not to engage in sexual relations (a vow of chastity). Religious orders are found in the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church, and, although rarely, in Protestant churches. The Franciscans, Jesuits, and Trappists are religious orders.

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Example Sentences

The Presbyterian Church of the U.S. and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, a Catholic religious order, filed the respective proposals.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

“There are two camps,” said Father Michael Carter, the youngest member of the religious order that founded the school.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

According to Dr. Ilko, the Augustinians' close relationship with forests, mountains, and coastal areas was key to their survival as a religious order.

From Science Daily • Feb. 2, 2026

The young Robert Prevost became a missionary in Peru for the Augustinians before going to Rome to head the religious order, which focuses on helping the marginalized of society.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2025

In Catholicism, a religious order is a community of people who take solemn vows in accordance with a specific way of life.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly