Fixed abode of a community of monks, canons regular or nuns. The name is extended to included houses of and of certain more recent congregations like Passionists or Redemptorists, but never Jesuits. Normally it consists of a church, chapter-house, cloisters, refectory, cells or common dormitory, the superior's apartments, library and work-rooms, guest quarters, and parlor for visitors. For the canonical erection of a monastery with enclosure the permission of the bishop is required, and in certain countries of the Holy See as well. Normally, at least twelve religious must live in it. A monastery is generally an abbey or a priory.
