Monks and Monastic Life Society

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Every monastery, especially those of the Benedictine order, adhered to specific rules regarding time, activities, and the hierarchy within the monastery. Apart from worship, devout reading, and transcribing or illuminating books, monks also engaged in physical work.
In addition, members of some monastic orders were not allowed any contact with the outside world from the moment of their ordination. They lived only within the cloister (the enclosed part of the monastery surrounding the inner courtyard), where no layperson was allowed. Communication with the outside world was handled only by appointed elder monks and lay brothers who also managed the operation of the entire monastery complex.
There were exceptions, however, such as when the monastery included a school, hospital (infirmarium), or medical workshop, where in times of need, laypeople could also receive care. Monks educated in medicine could also visit the sick and wounded from surrounding villages and towns.
A typical day for monks was punctuated by prayers. It began early, shortly after midnight, with vigils. This was followed (between 3 and 4 in the morning) by the first service - matins. Then came prime (at 6 am), followed by terce (9 am), sext (noon), and none (3 pm). Vespers were held before sunset, and finally (half an hour after sunset) compline.
After the morning mass, the brothers gathered in the chapter house to hear readings from the monastic rule. This was followed by sermons and discussions relevant to the monastery. Brothers confessed their sins, received discipline, or sought repentance. Between the morning mass (sext) and midday, they devoted themselves to work or study.

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