Chart: Christian Monks & Mystics
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This chart provides quick-reference information on notable monks and mystics in Christian history.
Many more saints and historical figures than those listed here were monks (e.g. Martin Luther, St. Anselm of Canterbury); this page includes only those who are especially known for their contributions to monasticism, their monastic life and/or their mysticism.
| Image | Name(s) | Birth | Death | Order |
Writings |
Overview |
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Anthony (Antony) of Egypt | c. 251 Egypt |
356 Egypt |
none | none | Considered founder of Christian monasticism. Left wealth to live as a hermit in the desert. |
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Benedict of Nursia | 480 |
543 Monte Cassino |
Benedictine | Rule of St. Benedict | Considered founder of western monasticism. |
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Bernard of Clairvaux | 1090 Fontaines, France |
Aug. 20, 1153 |
Cisterician | various letters, sermons, and hymns | Excellent preacher; revived religious piety in Europe. Preached the Second Crusade. |
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Dominic | c. 1170 Calaroga, Castile |
Aug. 6, 1221 Bologna |
Order of Preachers (Dominican) | Nine Ways of Prayer | Founder of the Dominican order. Credited with invention of the rosary. Acted as Inquisitor against heretics. |
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Francis of Assisi | 1181/2 Assisi, Italy |
Oct. 3, 1226 Portiuncula, Italy |
Franciscan | Regula Primitiva (first monastic rule) | Founder of the Franciscan order. Known for stigmata and abilities with animals. Built first nativity scene. |
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Ignatius of Loyola; San Ignacio de Loyola | 1491 Loyola, Spain |
July 31, 1556 Rome, Italy |
Society of Jesus (Jesuit) | Spiritual Exercises; Constitutions of the Society of Jesus | Founder of the monastic Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and one of the most influential figures in the Catholic Reformation. |
