A
professional body of
religious persons (
monks or
nuns) dedicated to a religious
mission.
Convents and
monasteries predate the establishment of religious orders, which began in the 13th century with
St. Dominic and
St. Francis. The focus of the religious
community moved from a
building to the mission, which would combine
contemplation with
ministry (
work in the community). Religious orders have their members adopt
vows, typically have a
hierarchical organization, and have to be founded with the approval of the
Pope.
Source: Catholic Encyclopedia