>(2) The Order founded by Gilbert of Sempringham consisted of Double
>Monasteries comprising Cannonesses and the Priests/Brothers who supported
>them.
>I think the focus of the Cannonesses was more urban/social work than many
>nuns. Did not Canonesses run hospitals &c ?
>
The Gilbertines, like the Premonstratensian canonesses and others founded in
the twelfth century were consecrated women using the Augustinian Rule rather
than the Benedictine Rule but, like the canons regular of that period, they
were not the same as members of a Cathedral chapter. The rule (and the
title) was favored for persons engaged in active charitable and educative
work because it did not require cloistering or stability. Gilbertines
ultimately used the Gilbertine rule (and were cloistered and not canonesses)
and Premonstratensian women were at least theoretically dropped from their
order though, like Cistercians, they continue to appear in documents of
practice.
Jo Ann
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