ORDO SANCTI PAULI PRIMI EREMITAE
 

O.S.P.P.E.

The Pauline Order is a community in which monastic priests and brothers realize their vocation through prayer, penance, preaching the Word of God and administering the Holy Sacraments, and by undertaking voluntary poverty, obedience and chastity. This order was founded by hermits in Hungary in the XIII century. When the first monks began their communal life they chose as their patron St. Paul, the First Hermit from Thebes (230-343). The Pauline Order was first brought to Poland in 1382 to cherish and safeguard the Miraculous Painting of Our Lady placed at Jasna Gora in Czestochowa by Count Wladyslaw Opolczyk. Soon thereafter, the monks in white habits were entrusted with other churches, which often became recognized as Marian Shrines. During their long and rich history, the Paulines became known as the faithful sons of the Holy Church and great venerators of Our Lady.

The first monastery in the United States was founded in 1955 when a small farmhouse was purchased in Doylestown PA. The farmhouse was converted into a monastery and the barn into a chapel. In 1966, a large new Shrine to Our Lady of Czestochowa was dedicated.

A MONASTIC ORDER DEDICATED TO MARY

With the motto, "Solus Cum Deo Solo" (Alone with God Alone), the Pauline Order is a religious community of monks of Pontifical Rite, which follow the Rule of St. Augustine. Fostering a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Paulines are the custodians of the mirculous picture of Our Lady of Czestochowa. 

PRAYER • APOSTOLATE • DEVOTION

The Pauline Order, founded in 1215, embraces the vocations of the priesthood and brotherhood.

Both Priests and Brothers wear the same habit, profess the same vows, and share together in the rich liturgical and devotional life of the Monastery.

The Habit, which is received at the beginning of the Novitiate, consists of a white tunic, scapular cowl, and rosary worn on the left side.

Candidates for the Priesthood make a one year Novitiate. They then pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree at a seminary approved by the Order with a major in Philosophy. Four years of Theological study are then made, followed by ordination.

“In prayer we recognize God’s plan for us and the world. We deeply penetrate into the saving mysteries of Christ, and we unite ourselves with the loving Father.”  - from the Pauline Constitutions

Those wishing to serve the Order as a Brother also make a six month Postulancy which is followed by a two year Novitiate. Brothers may attend college after their novitiate if they are so inclined.

The Order of St. Paul the First Hermit offers men an excellent opportunity to serve their God and His Blessed Mother in a variety of ways. Our main apostolate is shrine work but we also have a retreat house and we have a number of parishes. It is a privilege to belong to the order which has for centuries promoted devotion to the Mother of God.

“…You are particularly called here to love, to the great love of souls. This love has its source in the great love of God. You are the dispensers of this love which the Eternal God at this place, especially at this place, wishes to shower upon the sons and daughters of the Polish Nation through the Mother of His Son. …In this lies your Pauline, religious perfection and your mission.”  - John Paul II to the Pauline Fathers Jasna Gora, June 19, 1983