CONTACT

The full name of our religious community is the Order of Saint Paul the First Hermit. We are also more commonly known as Pauline Fathers and Brothers. The abbreviation that we use – OSPPE – is derived from the original Latin name of our religious community – Ordo Sancti Pauli Primi Eremitae. Our Order takes its name from Paul of Thebes, living in the third and fourth centuries, in northern Egypt. His life and example inspired Blessed Eusebius of Esztergom to establish in the first half of the thirteen century, a religious family which he called the Pauline Brothers. Inspired by God, Eusebius brought together hermits scattered throughout the woods of Hungary into one place, to live together as monks, giving them the Rule of St Augustine and receiving the Papal Approval in 1308.

The Pauline Order is an active-contemplative religious community, which means that every monk cherishes contemplation God in prayer, in community and in solitude; and connects it with pastoral work: proclaiming the Word of God; administering the sacraments, especially the Sacrament of Reconciliation; catechesis, organizing retreats and pilgrimages; or even performing mission work. A special charism of ours is showing the person of Mary to the faithful through our work at the numerous Marian Shrines throughout the world.

Our active ministry, as well as our openness to the spiritual needs of the faithful, has caused our Order over time to grow and expand to many other countries and continents throughout the world. The Pauline Fathers and Brothers serve and work in 21 monasteries in Poland and abroad such as Great Britain, Belarus, Croatia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Latvia, Germany, Ukraine, Hungary, Italy, Spain, Romania, Australia and the United States. Our missionary activities are conducted in South Africa and Cameroon.

Currently, there are about 500 members in the Order throughout the world. The sad history of Europe, ravaged by so many wars and religious persecutions, has drastically reduced the numbers of a once large and flourishing Order.

Yes. Though the sanctity of the numerous members of our Order has been witnessed by countless graces both during and after this life, the Pauline monks, following an old tradition, have never sought the canonization of their members. Each member of the community who dies is buried in prayerful confidence that he has obtained sanctity in this life. That is why on November 7, the Pauline Fathers and Brothers celebrate the Memorial of All the Saints of the Pauline Order. On this day we ask for the intercession of many holy Pauline monks, many of whom were martyrs, passionate preachers, hardworking brothers, and humble monks.

Since 1341, the Pauline monk has been distinguishable by his white habit, which symbolizes humility, purity and sacrifice to Christ. The habit consists of a white tunic, scapular, belt, and cowl (hood). A rosary is worn on the left side in honor of Mary.

Many people mistake us for Dominicans. Our habit indeed is very similar. There are many religious orders in the church that wear a similar habit. In fact, the Dominicans did not invent the Habit. Both Saint Dominic and Blessed Eusebius were canons regular before they founded their respective orders. They merely kept their old Habits and made a few changes to it.

The habit in our Order is usually received in the early months of the novitiate. The exact date depends on the decision of the superiors. In our Novitiate Monastery in Lesniow, Poland, the brothers customarily receive their habits on December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.

After submitting the application and all required documents, the candidate to our religious community begins the first phase of formation known as postulancy. Postulancy is an introductory period of a few months when a young man is introduced into our monastic way of life. The second phase, known as school of religious life and a test of one’s vocation, is a year-long novitiate for candidates to the Priesthood and a two-year novitiate for Religious Brothers. The novitiate concludes with the profession of first vows and opens the door to the last phase of formation, which is the seminary. Upon finishing his philosophical and theological studies at one of our formation houses, our religious seminarian makes his final vows in the Order, and he later receives Diaconate Ordination and eventually is ordained to the Priesthood. Religious Brothers, after completing the two-year Novitiate, embark on a few year-long juniorate, concluding it by making final vows in the Order.

Our Order is open to men discerning their vocation, who desire to give their life to Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Candidates to our Order should distinguish themselves with great piety, impeccable morality, as well as good physical and psychological health. Before making such an important decision, it’s encouraged to meet with one of our Vocation Directors and make couple visits in the monastery in order to feel the atmosphere of the house, get to know the brothers, and enter the daily rhythm of the day. The Vocation Director will also help you to prepare the documents necessary for admission.

No. The Order welcomes young men of all ethnic backgrounds into the Order who are sincere in their desire to serve God and His Blessed Mother.

No. There are no expenses that need to be covered to join our postulancy and novitiate or to study for the Priesthood. However, the candidate is requested to cover any expenses related to collecting and submitting any required documents for admission. The candidates applying for admission also cannot be bound by any substantial debt or other financial responsibilities. Once the novice has professed his temporary vows, the Order assumes full financial responsibility, paying all medical, dental, and educational costs.