OSB

Religion abbreviation · Religious Title

OSB
Stands forOrder of Saint Benedict
CategoriesReligion

OSB stands for Order of Saint Benedict, a religious title abbreviation.

Benedictine monks and nuns, who follow the Rule of St. Benedict, written around 530, emphasizing prayer, work and stability in one monastery, place these letters after their names. Benedictine abbeys are independent communities grouped into congregations within a loose confederation.

Example: The retreat was led by Br. David Steindl-Rast, OSB, a monk and author.

Usage notes

From the Latin Ordo Sancti Benedicti. Benedictine motto Ora et labora ("pray and work") summarizes the Rule. Famous abbeys include Monte Cassino in Italy and Saint John's Abbey in Minnesota. Benedictines are traditionally called "black monks" for the color of their habit.

More religious title abbreviations

  • OFM Cap. – Order of Friars Minor Capuchin
  • OFM Conv. – Order of Friars Minor Conventual
  • OFS – Secular Franciscan Order
  • OMI – Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate
  • OP – Order of Preachers
  • OSA – Order of Saint Augustine
  • OSF – Order of Saint Francis
  • OSU – Order of Saint Ursula
  • PP – Parish priest
  • Pr. – Pastor
  • Preb. – Prebendary
  • R. – Rabbi

See all 60 religious title abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.