Catechesis: Monastic Vows

In former times they [monasteries] were schools of Holy Scripture and of other subjects useful to the church; bishops and pastors were taken from there. Now everything is different, and it is unnecessary to present an account of what is well known. In former times they were suitable places for learning. Now people pretend that this kind of life was instituted to merit grace and righteousness. indeed, they proclaim that it is a state of perfection, and they greatly prefer it above all other kinds of life instituted by God.—AC XXVII:15,16