AUGUSTINIAN CANONS
Augustinian canons: translation
Their full name was Canons Regular of St Augustine. They were sometimes known as Black Canons because of their black cassock. Their rule was based on care of the sick, on self-discipline, on love of God and of neighbour. They lived in the world, leading a common life. By 1200 they were a frequent sight in towns, where they established hospitals and almshouses. Canons took the same vow as monks but they served also in parish churches. Part of the impulse behind the establishment of new orders in the 13c was the reluctance of monastics to serve in the world, outside their walls, as parish priests, a need met by the canons.
Cf. Austin canons and Augustinian friars