History and Comparison of Religious Orders

[awyers]

Does anyone know of a good resource that explains a little bit about the history of the various orders and maybe compares their spiritualities? I have searched on the net but some of this stuff is seriously in depth and I am looking for something in layman terms as a good starting point.

Thanks

[Mateo el Feo]

You could try the Wikipedia:

[url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_religious_order"]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_religious_order[/url]

Also, the following article from the Catholic Encyclopedia might be able to answer some of your questions:

[url="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12748b.htm"]http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12748b.htm[/url]

[Nathan]

I would also be very interested in such a resource -- preferably a book -- that lists and discusses generally the various religious orders within the Church, their respective histories, spiritualities, practices, types of ministry, etc. Such a book would be invaluable, especially to young people discerning the priesthood/religious life. Alas, I have not been able to find one.

[phatcatholic]

here are some different schools of spirituality. i don't know if this is helpful or not. let me know
[url="http://www.phatmass.com/directory/index.php/cat_id/392"]http://www.phatmass.com/directory/index.php/cat_id/392[/url]