THE ORDER
ORDO SANCTI PAULI PRIMI EREMITAE
WHO WE ARE
What is our Order? Where did it come from? How have the Pauline Fathers and Brothers developed over the centuries in serving God and the Church? Each religious community is rooted in God and grows in the specific conditions of time and place, creating its own charism and spirituality and shaping its identity.
Inspired by St. Paul the First Hermit, Pauline Fathers and Brothers lead lives guided by prayerful contemplation. These times of solitude spent with God strengthen them for their active pastoral service in parishes and shrines. Find out more about the history of our Order, which can also become your story. Get to know our spirituality that will help you develop and strengthen your faith. Go out into the desert to meet God alone.
1215
founded
4
continents
16
countries in which we operate
23
facilities in Poland
00
locations abroad
500
brothers in the entire order
WHERE WE LIVE
Over time, our Order began to grow among new people of different places and cultures. Today we are an international community reaching four continents, spreading the Good News about Jesus regardless of place, language, customs, or challenges. Every human being needs God, regardless of skin color or origin, so we try to answer God’s call in different parts of the world; where we already serve, we bring the spirit of peace, joy, and hope, not forgetting our contemplative roots.
If you are interested in our ministry, please click on the link below.
MAP OF OUR MONASTERIES
Our Order originated in Europe in the thirteenth century. Over time our religious community began to grow among new people of different places and cultures Currently our Order is an international community spread over four continents.
THE ORDER’S GENERAL GOVERNMENT
General of the Order
Fr. Beniamin Bąkowski
Vicar General
Fr. Piotr Łoza
II Definitor
Fr. Grzegorz Prus
III Definitor
Fr. Wojciech Dec
IV Definitor
Br. Bernard Kluczkowski
Procurator General at the Apostolic Capital
Fr. Zbigniew Gołębiewski
General Administrator
Fr. Marek Moga
Secretary General
Fr. Bartłomiej Maziarka
OUR CHARISM
As a semi-contemplative monastic community, with eremitical roots, the Order fosters a spirit of contemplation among its members. The Pauline monks, mindful of the character and spirit of the Community, strive to properly unite contemplation and the spirit of prayer with various forms of apostolic work. These two parts of our charism are lived out in a community life; as Jesus said, “Where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst” (Matthew 18:20).
HOW TO BECOME A PAULINE
Is there anything that catches your attention in our Order, that made you think about the Pauline way of life? Maybe a white habit suits you? Maybe you would like to develop your devotion to Our Lady. A vocation is the voice of God, which calls for a specific dedication to Him in the service of love. This call must be responded to in an active and concrete way through proper discernment. Contact with a vocations director, participation in a vocation retreat or spending a few days in a monastery can help you with this. See what you need to do to be able to enter better and feel the s