Nuns are women who dedicate their lives to religious service and contemplation, typically living under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience in the enclosure of a monastery or convent. They believe that they are married to God and have aspects similar to marriage. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that Virgins who, committed to the holy plan of following Christ more closely, are consecrated to God by the diocesan bishop according to the approved plan.
In the Catholic Church, a consecrated virgin is a woman who has been consecrated by the church to a life of perpetual virginity as a bride of Christ. Nuns wear wedding rings to embody their union with Christ and their status as brides of Christ. In accordance with 1 Corinthians 7:32-35, Apostle Paul notes that the unmarried have more concern towards the affairs of the Lord because they have no wife or husband to be devoted to.
Nuns, also called religious sisters, are women who have taken religious vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. They live in a religious community and dedicate themselves to a life of prayer. Nuns must be single in order to marry themselves to God, but widows are considered single in the eyes of the church. There are options for married women looking to become nuns as well.
The Bride of Christ is a metaphor for the church in Christian theology, and nuns are not just weirdos who can’t find husbands. They are smart, engaged women who play a vital role in the life of the church. Nuns are ordained, unlike priests and deacons who receive the sacrament of Holy Orders.
📹 Brides of Christ | Our America with Lisa Ling | Full Episode | OWN
Statistics show that the tradition of the American nun may be dying out, but Lisa Ling will meet nuns and sisters of all ages who …
What counts as losing your virginity Catholic?
Virginity. —Morally, virginity means respecting your body and having good reasons for it. This is common in both sexes. It can exist in a woman even if she is violated against her will. Physically, it means keeping your body safe and sound. The Catholic Church teaches that God kept Mary’s body pure during and after her childbirth (see Paul IV, “Cum quorundam”, August 7, 1555). Virginity has two parts: the material part, which is not having any sexual pleasure, and the formal part, which is a promise to never have sex. Material virginity is not destroyed by every sin against the sixth or ninth commandment. The resolution of virginity extends to more than the mere preservation of bodily integrity. If it were restricted to material virginity, the resolution could coexist with vicious desires and could not then be virtuous. Some have asked if virginity has a special virtue. Some authors and St. Thomas say yes, but the text of St. Thomas can’t be taken literally. So, the answer is no. Virginity is about keeping yourself pure. This purpose is usually inspired by a virtue stronger than chastity. The motive can be religious or apostolic. Then the virtues of charity or religion will make this purpose more beautiful. It has no special qualities of its own. People usually make a vow to God when they decide to remain virgins. The New Testament says that Christ wants his followers to be virgins. He says that some people are unfit for marriage because of their bodies or because others hurt them. He says that others have made the same sacrifice for the kingdom of heaven. He wants his followers to imitate them. “Whoever can, let them.” This text has always been understood as a promise of lifelong abstinence. St. Paul again said (1 Cor.). In 7:25-40, Paul says that marriage is allowed, but it’s better to stay single. He gives reasons, including that married men are too busy pleasing their wives. He who is without a wife cares for his own body and spirit and can pray. The Church has always considered virginity or celibacy better than marriage. The Council of Trent says those who believe the opposite are wrong. Some heretics of the sixteenth century thought that Christ meant the preaching of the Gospel when he said “the kingdom of heaven.” But the context and St. Paul’s words show that this is wrong. Scripture is true. Being a virgin means overcoming your lower desires and being free from worldly concerns, which allows you to serve God. Even though a virgin may not be as holy as a married person, people can still be very holy. Many people have been inspired by the example of those who are pure like angels.
Do you have to be a virgin to become a nun?
The 1970 decree says candidates must be unmarried and chaste. The 1970 document only implied that candidates must be virgins. On July 4, 2018, the Vatican said that keeping one’s body in perfect continence or practicing chastity is not a requirement for admission to consecration. The statement was published in response to bishops asking for more information because more women are interested in the vocation. The new clause lets bishops decide if a candidate is suitable for her vocation. The US Association of Consecrated Virgins said the new guidance is shocking and disappointing. The Church has always said that a woman must be a virgin to become a consecrated virgin.
Do nuns believe in God?
Nuns and sisters are called women religious. All women religious take vows to God, live in community, and give themselves to God. They also live in the spirit of the person who founded their order. When the Sisters of Mercy were founded in 1831, most religious orders lived as nuns. They stayed in their convents and rarely left. When the Sisters of Mercy came to Dublin, Ireland, people were confused. They walked around looking for those in need, visiting the sick and poor in their homes and hospitals. They called them “walking nuns.” The Sisters of Mercy are a group of women who pray and help others. And we keep walking.
Is being a nun a holy order?
Nuns, Sisters, Brothers, and Monks are called “religious.” While serving God, Religious don’t receive Holy Orders. They take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. A nun is a woman who lives in a monastery.
Can a Catholic nun be married?
- See alsoedit. Children of the Ordained
- Christian monks, Friars, religious sisters and nuns make vows of celibacy.
- Clerical marriage
- List of sexually active popes
- *^ a b Berry, Jason (3 April 2002). Secrets, Celibacy And the Church. The New York Times. Archived from the original on 27 October 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
- ^ Code of Canon Law: text – IntraText CT. intratext.com.
- ^ a b c d e Vatican secret out: There are rules for priests who father children. USA Today.
- ^ a b c d e Vatican confirms secret Catholic Church guidelines for priests who father children. CBS News. 19 February 2019.
- ^ a b c d e Vatican reveals it has secret rules for priests who father children. TheGuardian.com. 19 February 2019.
- ^ a b 20 offenders revealed in grand jury report in Greensburg Diocese. 14 August 2018.
- ^ a b Are Catholic priests leading secret double lives?.
- ^ a b Australian priest admits being secretly married for a year. 3 May 2012.
- ^ a b c For children of priests, the good of the child comes first – Vatican News. 27 February 2019.
- ^ Cummings-Jordan, Mary (18 May 2015). Making the transition from Lutheran minister to Catholic priest – with a wife. PBS. Retrieved 10 May 2021.
- ^ Luke 18:28–30
- ^ Matthew 19:27–30
- ^ Ephesians 5:25–33
- ^ Revelation 21:9
- ^ Mark 2:19–20
- ^ Matthew 9:14–15
- ^ Angelo Amato, Il Celibato di Gesù, Libreria Editrice Vaticana, pp. 29–31.; ^ Matthew 19:12; ^ Numbers 1:48–53; ^ 1 Corinthians 7:25; ^ 1 Corinthians 7:7–8; ^ 1 Corinthians 7:32–35; ^ 1 Corinthians 7:29–31; ^ Emeka, Aroh Prudentius (19 May 2014). Priestly celibacy: a gift and a commitment (can. 277 § 1). Gregorian Biblical BookShop. p.26. ISBN9788878392830.; ^ Cf. Bart Ehrman in Compare Historical Jesus Theories. ReligionFacts. Retrieved 16 April 2018.; ^ C. K. Barrett, A Commentary on the First Epistle to the Corinthians, 2nd Edition, A&C Black, London, p 203.; ^ Calvin J. Roetzel, Paul: The Man and the Myth (Continuum International 1999 ISBN978-0-56708698-3), p. 157-163; ^ See e.g. Giggs, C. Wilfred. Paul and Marriage. Archived from the original on 1 July 2013. Retrieved 28 August 2022 – via Brigham Young University Maxwell Institute.; ^ 1 Timothy 3:2; ^ Carl R. Triebs, About Celibacy, I Have No Instructions from the Lord An Inquiry Into the Origins of Clerical Celibacy (Trafford Publishing 2004 ISBN978-1-41202871-4), pp. 93–95; ^ Priestly Celibacy in Patristics and Church History.; ^ Unam Sanctam Catholicam: Book Review: The Apostolic Origins of Priestly Celibacy. 3 August 2014.; ^ BONIVENTO, Cesare. Priestly Celibacy. Ecclesiastical Institution or Apostolic Tradition? Archived 26 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine; Thomas McGovern,Priestly Celibacy Today; Cochini, Christian, The Apostolic Origins of Priestly Celibacy, Ignatius Press (October 1990). ISBN0-89870-951-2 ISBN0-89870-280-1.; ^ Celibacy in the Early Church: The Beginnings of Obligatory Continence for Clerics in East and West, Stefan Heid, p. 15.; ^ On Oriental Orthodoxys exclusion of marriage after ordination to priesthood, see Deacons Focus of Oriental Orthodox-Roman Catholic Consultation. Archived from the original on 2 March 2011. Retrieved 18 August 2021.; ^ Dennis, George T., on Cochini, C. The Apostolic Origins of Priestly Celibacy (book review), Theological Studies, 52:4 (1991:Dec.) p.738; ^ Fink, Peter E. (4 July 1992). Books about the priesthood. America. Vol.167, no.1. New York. p.17.; ^ Chapter One: Celibacy – A Historical Perspective (Part 1). christendom-awake.org.; ^ De officiis ministrorum, 258.; ^ habentem filios dixit, non facientem (Ep. extra coll. Maur.63 14,62, quoted in Giovanni Coppa, Il sacerdote vero levita secondo S. Ambrogio, LOsservatore Romano 13 January 2007).; ^ Celibacy as Political Resistance. First Things. January 2014. Retrieved 7 January 2014.; ^ a b Durant, Will. Story of Philosophy. Simon & Schuster. ISBN978-0-671-69500-2. Retrieved 10 December 2013.; ^ Mosca, Gaetano. The Ruling Class. McGraw Hill Book Company, Inc. Retrieved 3 January 2014.; ^ Henry Chadwick, The Early Church, ISBN978-0140231991; ^ New Catholic Encyclopedia, vol 3, Catholic University of America: Washington, D.C. 1967, p. 323, 366; ^ Parish, Helen (23 May 2016). Clerical Celibacy in the West: C.1100-1700. Routledge. ISBN9781317165163.; ^ Fernand Mourret: A History of the Catholic Church, Volym 3. B. Herder Book Company, 1946; ^ There was no oath of celibacy, only a declaration that marriage by a priest was invalid.; ^ Letter of Pope Adrian VI to Francesco Chieregati 25 November 1522, where the Pope says that even in this Holy See there have been many abominations these many years — abuses in spiritual things, excessive decrees, and everything perverted but did not attribute these abominations to clerical celibacy (Luthers Correspondence and Other Contemporary Letters, vol. 2 p. 146 by Preserved Smith).; ^ Catholic historian Ludwig von Pastors The history of the popes, from the close of the Middle Ages (vol. V): Corruption of the Italian Clergy of all Ranks, 169ff.; Fra Girolama Savonarola 181ff. likewise did not attribute to clerical celibacy the need for reform that was one of the reasons for holding the Council of Trent.; ^ Jean Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion IV,12,23–28.; ^ Ministry and Ministries. Church of Sweden. Retrieved 12 May 2021.; ^ Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium, n.29; 1983 Code of Canon Law, can. 1042 §1; ^ can. 1032, CIC 1983; ^ Sacrum Diaconatus Ordinem (June 18, 1967) – Paul VI.; ^ can. 1031 §2-3 CIC 1983; ^ Cong. for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments, Circular Letter to Diocesan Ordinaries…, 6 June 1997, Prot. N. 263/97, 8; in Origins 27 (28 August 1997) p 171; ^ Wills, Garry. Papal Sin: Structures of Deceit. New York: Doubleday. ISBN9780385494113.; ^ Matthew 8:14; ^ Philip Schaff: NPNF2-06. Jerome: The Principal Works of St. Jerome – Christian Classics Ethereal Library. ccel.org.; ^ THE LOGIC OF PRIESTLY CELIBACY. Archived from the original on 2 October 2012.. Archived from the original on 2 October 2012. Retrieved 18 August 2021.; ^ Priestly Celibacy. matt1618.freeyellow.com.; ^ Pope Paul VI (December 1965). Gaudium et Spes. Vatican. Retrieved 16 September 2006.; ^ Ratzinger, Rahner, et al. On Celibacy – Paths of Love. 22 February 2013.; ^ Signatories. Archived from the original on 11 February 2011. Retrieved 15 February 2011.; ^ Church 2011: The Need for a New Beginning – Kirche 2011: Ein notwendiger Aufbruch. 23 April 2011. Archived from the original on 23 April 2011.; ^ Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests, Presbyterorum Ordinis, n.16 (held by the Church to be of great value in a special manner for the priestly life); Pope Paul VI, Encyclical Sacerdotalis Caelibatus of 24 June 1967, passim; Synod of Bishops, Ordinary General Assembly II, Ultimis Temporibus (30 November 1971), Part 2, 1, 4 (esp. at (e) The law of priestly celibacy existing in the Latin Church is to be kept in its entirety); 1983 Code of Canon Law, can. 277, §1; Synod of Bishops, Ordinary General Assembly VIII (1990, on the theme of the priesthood), prop.11 (a priceless gift of God for the Church.. seen as a positive enrichment of the priesthood), quoted by John Paul II in Pastores dabo vobis, 29; Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1579; Synod of Bishops, Ordinary General Assembly XI (2005, on the theme of the Eucharist), prop.11 …the importance of the priceless gift of ecclesiastical celibacy in the practices of the Latin Church is recognized…; ^ Pastores dabo vobis, section 29; ^ Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests, Presbyterorum Ordinis, n.16; ^ (18 July 1993) Pope Seeks to Clarify Reasons for Celibacy The New York Times, Retrieved 26 February 2013; ^ General Audience text in Italian: Rientra, come sè detto, nella logica della consacrazione.; ^ First Clement: Clement of Rome. earlychristianwritings.com.; ^ Fritz Lobinger, emeritus Bishop of Aliwal North in South Africa, has promoted the proposal (under various names and subject to various revisions of principle) in his books: Like His Brothers and Sisters, Claretian Publications, Quezon City, Philippines, 1998; Teams of Elders (Moving Beyond Viri Probati), Claretian Publications, Quezon City, Philippines, 2007; and Every Community Its Own Ordained Leaders, Claretian Publications, Quezon City, Philippines, 2008; ^ See Proposition 11 in the final list of Propositions approved by the Synod and submitted to the Pope. Available in Italian only, it reads, in the relevant part: Certuni hanno fatto riferimento ai viri probati, ma quest ipotesi è stata valutata come una strada da non percorrere (Some made reference to viri probati, but this hypothesis was evaluated as a path not to be taken).; ^ a b c Gibson, David, Book reveals new popes views on celibacy, abuse, crisis, USA Today (from Religion News Service), 20 March 2013, Retrieved 21 March 2013; ^ a b Connor, Tracy, Pope Francis spoke of being dazzled by girl, possible change of celibacy rule, worldnews.nbcnews.com, 21 March 2013, Retrieved 21 March 2013; ^ Gibson, David, Are Married Priests Next?, americamagazine.org, 25 April 2014, Retrieved 22 July 2015; ^ Will Pan-Amazonian Synod Result in End to Clerical Celibacy?. National Catholic Register. Retrieved 14 May 2018.; ^ Katholische Kirche: Das Ende des Zölibats scheint möglich. Der Tagesspiegel Online – via Tagesspiegel.; ^ Cardinal Marx: We dont want vocations to celibacy that dont live their sexuality with maturity. YouTube. Rome Reports in English. 5 October 2018. Archived from the original on 14 December 2021. Retrieved 27 March 2021.; ^ German cardinal urges change, review of celibacy tradition. Catholic New Service. 4 January 2019. Retrieved 23 March 2021.; ^ Aachener Nachrichten: Wie bedrohlich ist die Lage, Herr Bischof?, March 2019; ^ Bayerischer Rundfunk.de:Jung kann sich verheiratete Priester vorstellen, 19 February 2018; ^ Evangelisch.de: Bischof Overbeck stellt den Zölibat infrage (German), December 2019; ^ Pfälzischer Merkur.de: Er hat ein offenes Ohr für Kritik an kirchlichen Haltungen (German). Archived from the original on 28 January 2020. Retrieved 28 January 2020.; ^ katholisch.de: Neymeyr: Offen für verheiratete Priester im Bistum Erfurt (german); ^ Thüringer Allgemeine: Wegen Priestermangel: Erfurter Bischof hält Aufweichen des Zölibats für denkbar (german); ^ Katholisch.de: Zölibat wertvoll – aber besser freiwillig, 22 February 2019; ^ Katholisch.de: Bischof Feige: Priesterweihe für Frauen wird kommen, 12 February 2019; ^ katholisch.de:Ackermann und Wilmer kritisieren Machtmissbrauch in Kirche (german), 20 February 2019; ^ Bischof Wilmer zur Vertrauenskrise in der Kirche. domradio.de. 12 June 2019.; ^ Diskussion um Lebensform für Priester. domradio.de. 23 March 2019.; ^ katholisch.de: Bischofstreffen in Lingen: Gerade noch die Kurve gekriegt (german); ^ Viri probati: Schönborn offen für Debatte über Weihe. kath.net katholische Nachrichten. 15 April 2019.; ^ Tiroler Tageszeitung: Schönborn – Offen für Weihe von „viri probati, 14. April 2019; ^ Katholisch.de: Bischof Timmerevers: Frauenfrage in der Kirche tut dreifach weh (german), 10 December 2019; ^ Katholisch.de: Amazonas-Synode stimmt für verheiratete Priester in Ausnahmefällen (German), 27 October 2019; ^ Querida Amazonia: Post-Synodal Exhortation to the People of God and to All Persons of Good Will (2 February 2020) Francis.; ^ Neues Ruhrwort:Synodaler Weg spricht sich für Prüfung eines freiwilligen Zölibats aus, March 9, 2023; ^ Welt.de: Papstberater plädiert für Ende des Zölibats, 7 January 2024; ^ 1 23 February 2024; ^ Catholic Encyclopedia, Celibacy of the Clergy.; ^ a b c Frequently Requested Church Statistics. Centre for Applied Research in the Apostolate. 2018. Retrieved 13 November 2018.; ^ Vatican (13 June 2018). Worldwide number of Catholics grows to 1.4 billion. AsiaNews.it. Retrieved 13 November 2018.; ^ The HarperCollins Encyclopedia of Catholicism, 1995, ed. McBrien, Richard P. (NY: Harper Collins Publishers), p.291; ^ Number of Priests Worldwide Continues Steady Increase. 12 March 2012. Archived from the original on 16 April 2013.; ^ Number of priests growing worldwide, but dropping in North America News Headlines. catholicculture.org.; ^ ZENIT News Agency, Vatican Releases Statistical Yearbook. Archived from the original on 27 July 2010.; ^ The world-wide number of priests declined from 419,728 in 1970 to a low of 403,280 in 1985. Since then it has risen to 412,236 in 2013, although the Catholic population has nearly doubled in this same period (Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, Georgetown University, District of Columbia, U.S.A. Frequently requested church statistics Archived 20 January 2016 at the Wayback Machine accessed 11/2013); ^ Wettinger, Godfrey. Concubinage among the Clergy of Malta and Gozo ca. 1420-1550 (PDF). Journal of the Faculty of Arts. 6. University of Malta: 165–188.; ^ a b Ex-EWTN priest, TV host not guilty of child sexual abuse. June 2016.; ^ Ex-priest, acquitted of abuse, granted custody of son. 23 January 2018.; ^ Horowitz, Jason; Povoledo, Elisabetta (18 February 2019). Vaticans Secret Rules for Catholic Priests Who Have Children. The New York Times.; ^ Archbishop calls for prayer after priest admits fathering children. 4 January 2012.; ^ Orest Subtelny.. Ukraine: A History. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, pp.214-219.; ^ Vatican lifts married priests ban in US, Canada, and Australia in CathNews New Zealand, 21 November 2014; ^ First married man ordained priest for U.S. Maronite Catholic Church. National Catholic Reporter. 28 February 2014. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 23 July 2021.; ^ CCEO: text – IntraText CT. intratext.com.; *Further readingedit. Priestly Celibacy Today—book by Thomas McGovern; Priestly celibacy in patristics and in the history of the Church—Roman Cholij; Priestly Celibacy. Ecclesiastical Institution or Apostolic Tradition?—Cesare Bonivento; The Case for Clerical Celibacy:Its Historical Development and Theological Foundations Archived 13 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine—Alfons Stickler; Celibacy Dates Back to the Apostles—Fr. Anthony Zimmerman, STD; The Ancient Tradition of Clerical Celibacy—Mary R. Schneider (Ignatius Press); Celibacy in the Old Testament and Jewish Tradition—by Br. Anthony Opisso, M.D.; Francis Speaks, Scalfari Transcribes, Brandmüller Shreds—by Sandro Magister; Why Does the Catholic Church Insist on Celibacy? by Rafael Domingo
Do nuns stay celibate?
Catholic nuns and sisters don’t marry or have romantic relationships. This vow frees her from human relationships so that she can love God and people. A nun or sister who takes a vow of chastity says that her life is not about sex and that it does not define her. The vow of chastity is how nuns and sisters give themselves to God. This vow is shown through her relationship with her religious community and her ministry. Being celibate means a woman religious can go wherever God and her community send her. Having children and a spouse makes this more challenging. Jesus said, “Those who love me will obey my teaching.” “My Father will love them, and we will live with them.” John 14:23.
What are nuns considered?
A nun is a woman who lives in a monastery or convent and prays, serves, and helps others. She vows to live simply and chastely. Many religions have nuns. Catholic nuns can’t marry, use social media or smartphones. This is according to Pope Francis. They can’t own property or have sex. A married woman can’t become a nun unless her marriage is annulled. A cloistered nun is one who doesn’t meet or interact with people outside the church unless it’s necessary. They are advised to stay within the church where they study religion.
Are nuns called by God?
Let me first talk about why a girl should become a nun. A girl should only become a nun if she feels God is calling her to. Religious life is a calling from God. Your prayer will help you find your calling. God will tell you what to do. Many are afraid and anxious at first. This is normal. But when God is calling, it’s important to be open and let the Holy Spirit give you courage to say yes. When a girl senses a call to be a nun, she should pray, “Lord, I don’t know what you want, but I’m ready to say yes.” Saying yes to God’s will is the first step to deeper discernment. Then, talk to your parish priest and other good Catholics. They can support you and help you discern God’s will. If you feel God’s calling is getting stronger, then make some practical choices. First, find out about religious life for girls. Every order is different. Some orders require a college degree, some accept girls without one and then put them through college, and some don’t require one. Some orders in healthcare and teaching require a college degree. Some orders, like those that serve the poor or are more contemplative, don’t require a college degree but have some form of deeper religious education as part of their formation program. Familiarize yourself with as many orders as possible. Ask the vocation director of each order these practical questions. Start this kind of research in high school. Each diocese offers different ways for girls to learn about religious life and orders. Look into these opportunities and let God guide you!
Who is the bride of Jesus nuns?
A consecrated religious sister is a “bride of Christ.” She is a symbol of our eternal union with Christ. They have given up everything to follow Jesus. We need the witness of these good sisters today. We live in the richest country ever. We are easily tempted by wealth. We need their witness to know that joy is found in poverty. We are lucky to live in a country where we can do what we want. As Christians, we are free to live as God’s children. But we can also confuse freedom with the right to do whatever we want, to make our own rules.
📹 The Sisters of Life Answer the Internet’s Top Questions About Nuns
When do religious sisters retire? Are they all Catholic? How do they get their names? What’s the difference between nuns and …
I am not Catholic. Baptist. However a few years ago my daughter was involved in a car accident requiring skin graphs & surgeries. We where in a Catholic hosptol the nuns lived there then in their own wing. Two elderly nuns one in a wheel chair asked could they pray over my daughter. It was so kind so comforting. I often wonder about them. ❤
My best friend became a nun & she was not raised Catholic ! She also had a fantastic career in health care ! I went to Catholic schools & some nuns were very old & strict ! However, we understood that they just wanted the best for us girls ! I have many fond memories of growing up with nun;s & priests who played an active roll in our lives ! Our neighborhood,was poor but we had alot of love & cared about each other,. Most of us became successful but we never forgot where we grew up & are very proud of where we were raised ! Our nuns here in Northern Canada wear casual suits, no habits & have short hair now ! They all drive cars & are friendly & approachable ! Wonderful ladies & I am so happy they were a part of my life!
God hear my prayers. Please take away my constant fear of lack as a single mother. I struggle to support my children both are special needs give my strength and as I struggle to pay rent each month and as I struggle to buy groceries for my children. I thank you Jesus in advance. I know that you have a plan for me to overcome this financial adversity and I will not worry. Please fill my troubled heart with your love and grace. ❤
I was taught, for eight years, by Notre Dame nuns and Jesuit priests. Those eight years were the best years of my life. They loved us so much and we knew it. The Church and school were in one building with the convent and rectory on the same grounds. I recently went online and found that it’s all gone now. I was heartbroken. I did graduate from the eighth grade in 1962 though but still. I have no idea what’s on the grounds now and honestly don’t want to know. Thank you for your “yes”.
I wanted to share with you, One of my hardest days, i was at the Veterinary Clinic to say goodbye to a belonged dog that was too ill and suffering, a Sister walked up to me. I did not know she was a sister. She was dressed in a plain coat, no habit showing. She asked me if she could pray with me. I .said yes please. I had an overwhelming feeling of warmth and peace touch me. I know Jesus was there that day. I have never seen that Sister again. But i bet she knows how much she helped me that day. ❤
I’m a Protestant Christian, and have often wondered about many of these things. What a beautiful sentiment at the end; it hit me hard to think of how someone out there is praying for me, even in just a broad sense. I’m thankful to God’s graciousness towards the women he calls to lead lives like these.
I’m a catholic aging man. The sisters of my education years were the most immovable people I have met. My worst fears were it the sisters looked down on me. And I disappointed them a lot. Over the years I hope I have become the man they wanted me to be. I cannot express what you women have meant to me. I am getting better as a man. May God bless you all. You deserve his grace far more that I. Sometimes when I travel I see a nun and I drop to me knees and kiss her hand. These women are the best of us. I am just blessed to have know them. Nuns are the guns, bro!!!!!!!!
I had the honor of hearing the Sisters talk at the March for Life in Indianapolis yesterday, and ever since have enjoyed their very wholesome content. As a high school student, I’ve been considering becoming a Sister, and perusal these women talk and seeing their very apparent love for Jesus, I’m even more intrigued.
I had a coworker 20 years ago who was discerning becoming a sister. The order that she was investigating has a tradition of not wearing wedding rings because, at some point in the Order’s history, the sisters were forced to sell their rings to obtain funds to offset some sort of financial crisis. Since then, sisters in this particular order do not wear rings to honor those sisters’ sacrifice. I wish I knew the name of the order so hopefully that story jogs someone’s memory!
I am reminded by this lovely article of an experience I had over 25 years ago. I visited a Carmelite cloister in Avila, Spain. They were cloistered nuns who supported themselves by making these beautiful painted plasterer and pine resin crucifixes and holy water fonts. A sister was assigned to work with the public and everyone else was hidden inside the cloister. When we were inside the room looking at the artifacts (it was like being inside a stone castle) a nun came out of a little door and immediately became flustered and said, “Pardon! Pardon!” and ran away and slammed the door like she had seen a ghost! I felt like I just saw someone from another world!
Nuns in Africa run schools and when one is lucky to attend their schools, everyone knows nuns don’t play when it comes to discipline and hard working. I was lucky to be around Benedictine nuns and it changed my life forever. You will always be a good person if you listen to them. So fascinating how these religious people ( men or women) leave everything behind to completely save God. Thank you❤❤
I have listened to your podcast for a long time. It’s so nice to see your smiles!!! What a blessing you are to the church. I pray that more will hear His call to the priesthood and religious life. Please pray for my seminarian son and for my daughter who is discerning (and also the rest of my boys and their vocations)!
No question, but a big thank you to you both for putting this out on social media! Your energy is delightfully infectious and as a former Protestant, who was called to the Roman Catholic faith 20 years ago, it makes me so happy to see you share your vocation and your hearts on this platform! Our world is so broken, so full of antagonism and even hatred toward each other, and your stories, your lives are such a bright light in our dark world! Thank you 🙏🏼
Thank you for sharing this!! You two are very beautiful souls. I’m 15 and I Recently went to ICYC which was a big Catholic conference and it did really deepen my relationship with God. I always had in the back of my mind the small calling to become a nun. During ICYC I had lunch with this beautiful nun and I actually got the privilege to sit by her during adoration which was the most wonderful gift I ever received. I just got home and I can’t stop thinking about their life style. It’s becoming more and more of a possibility. I will continue on praying to see if that is my calling. You two just made it even more convincing. ❤️
Thank you Sisters for answering questions. I so hope the convent life is not diminishing. I am so fascinated by the Immaculate Sisters who run our Day With Mary every Saturday here in the United Kingdom, I pray for them all the time coz I think they work so hard to ensure the day runs smoothly. The Sister on the left has Brit accent❤❤ God bless you Sisters for praying for the world.❤❤
I really appreciated the perspective of being married to Christ and being fulfilled in a marital sense through that commitment. I am married to an incredible man who makes me feel loved and fulfilled in a way I could never imagine and to know that I can get that type of relationship with God, too, makes me so happy! I miss having the deep relationship I had with Him before the obligations of husband and kids took over. I live out part of my love for God in serving my family, but I am excited to know that there is a deeper level of intimacy I can still achieve in my relationship with Him!❤ Thanks, Sisters!
hi this is for Sr. Lucia, i don’t know if you’ll see this, but i have listened to the recording you did of the Litany of Trust on Amen, more times than I could really guess, including during the labor of my daughter and many other moments in life. your voice and reading is so soothing, and it really feels like we’re praying together! i can just sense the realness and the heart in your prayer. thank you! ❤
When I was little there was a convent of Sisters on the block I grew up. It was like Bells of Saint Mary. Yes, they drove a station wagon and would get stuck in the snow. My dad would always come to their rescue. We all went to the Catholic school around the block. It was a time and place long gone, so blessed to have lived in those times.
I’m not religious at all, certainly not the type organized type. However from a human and psychological perspective, nuns and sisters have always interested and impressed me. To be so dedicated and devout to something for a lifetime is very special, and to see what makes these people “tick” for the lack of better phrasing is pretty cool.
I loved the beautiful sisters that taught me from 1st to 8th grade. They were amazing and taught me to be strong in my faith! Thank you for leading the younger generation to God by using technology for good. Please consider a monthly series. The world needs to hear from you dear brides of God to guide our young females through life! Thank you!
Thank you Sisters. I’m 62 and a cradle Catholic from the US. I went to Catholic school in the 1960’s and then Catholic highschool in the 1970’s. Sadly Sisters stopped wearing a habit and even now this neglect of tradition and faith continues. It’s always makes me feel good when I see a sister in habit or a priest with a collar. Please pray 🙏 for me Timothy James…an old Irish American Catholic who is going home soon. Hopefully to the Lord.
Wow! Really beautiful and eloquent responses to the questions. I was really in awe…I was raised Catholic, but never really heard about the difference between a Sister and a Nun. I always felt somewhat sad for them, but you two seem so content. And it makes sense, brides of Christ – such a blessing.
Wonderful article. I went to 8 years of Catholic school with nuns. Yes some were “cranky” but what wonderful teachers. The made me a success and hopefully a better person. I still have a favorite tee shirt that says: ” You can’t scare me I was taught by nuns.” I wish there were more nuns in Catholic schools. And my grandchildren could be catachized by wonderful nuns. Pray fir vocations.
Dear sisters, thanks so sharing your lives with us. The presence of Christ in your life radiates in this article. The world needs you so much. During the article I kept thinking to myself; “The greatest act of love is to lay down one’s life for another.” The Sister of Life brings life and light into the world by laying down their lives. God bless you.
Thank you sisters,my cousin was a a sister and she was the one to whom I learned to serve our Lord Jesus Christ. Every single sister I ever met has left some kind of impression on me and all have been great . Thank you for serving the lord and for all you do for society, your the true role model minus the fame and money. 🙏
Hello, and thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions! Although I am not a religious sister, I can answer the first question– some sisters do have cell phones. I know one in particular who does. I’m sure it’s technically owned by her community, but she uses it primarily, as she needs it as part of her ministries both as part of her community and directly with our diocese. She also does earn money teaching for Catholic institutions (she has a PhD and has been my professor for my MA in theology), 100% of which goes to her community. She does not wear a habit, but she does wear a veil and simple, modest clothes, which are part of her community’s clothes closet. She always wears black and white, though. I know other sisters from different orders who also wear plain, modest clothes, as well as ones who wear grey and white habits/veils. I have seen the latter wear all white habits/veils to Masses on Christmas and Easter. As a Catholic with a Marian devotion, I have to say that I love the blue habits! May God continue to bless you!
Thank you for answering these questions. I’ve been fortunate enough to have sisters as friends both here in the USA AND in Ecuador. (I’m a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.) I’ve known these and other answers to questions since I was a child as I also have Catholic family. You’re doing a wonderful work. Your Husband is very proud (in only the way He can be).
I’m a protestant Christian and it was really great to hear the thoughts of the wonderful God loving ladies. They seem like wonderful people. I wish I knew more nuns. The closest I’ve come to knowing a nun was my grandmother who I swear should have been a nun. She was a devout Catholic and a saint. She was a wonderful loving woman who loved Christ and was full of wisdom. I miss her dearly but I know I will see her again one day thanks to God’s grace and Christ taking our punishment on the cross. I know the sisters probably don’t read these comments but please tell them thank-you for me and God bless them.
These Sisters are beautiful on the inside and out. I miss the days of my childhood education in a Catholic Grade School and the lessons learned from the Nuns who instructed me. I pray for Sister Mary Felicitous, my 6th grade teacher and mentor, to this day. She was a wonderful soul but a stern taskmaster as a teacher. All the sisters were great educators but demanding which was their greatest quality when it came to building future leaders. Our society could use a lot more of that type of education today.
Thank you for this beautiful article. I knew most of the answers to these questions. The one I did not know was the difference between sisters and nuns. Thank you for explaining the difference. I also loved the part when you explained what the older sisters do now that they are no longer to do all they were able to do when they were younger. I kept feeling bad because I can’t do all I did when I was younger not only because I am in my 70’s but I have some serious health issues. When you said the older sisters have a deeper prayer life it was like a bell went off and I thought I can do that. So thanks for reminding me I can still do something to help the church in her mission. God bless.
That made me smile, thank you, Sisters. On the subject of names, one of my friends is Sister Mary Leo, an Australian, her brother is currently at seminary and will soon be ordained as a priest. I have often accused her of not being a real Australian, in fun, and suggested that she should be Sister Sheila and her brother Father Bruce. We also have the odd giggle about ‘family meals’, with Sister’s father having to call his son Father, and Sister Mary saying ‘hey brother, Father,’ What do nuns eat? I am pleased to say that last year they had a lot of courgettes from my garden, becoming known to me as ‘the formation courgette eating team’. They are a joy to be around.
What you always wanted to know about nuns but afraid to ask? 🙂 Holy smokes. Land Lines. That used to be the only thing we had. We had to pick up the phone without knowing who it was – like an idiot! 🙂 So grateful for the sisters. We need more women to discern to look at religious life and make that sacrifice. We need priests, sisters, brothers, good marriages and good families. Thank you for saying yes!
That was Very heart warming and to here the Aussie accent makes me so proud to see you doing so well. My only question would be is. What are some signs of the calling Also I am almost 40 is that classified too old to join the convent. Because at late I feel like I have being called to join the religious life
⚠️⚠️■□TIMESTAMPS□■⚠️⚠️ 0:31 • Do nuns or sisters have cellphones? 0:56 • Do sisters still exist? 1:11 • Why are sisters only female? 1:59 • How do sisters get their names? 2:44 • Can sisters drive? 3:03 • Why are nuns called sisters? 3:55 • What do sisters eat?/ What is your favorite food? 4:39 • How do sisters make money? 5:37 • Do sisters marry Jesus? 7:01 • When do sisters retire? 8:08 • Are sisters only Catholic? 8:22 • Why do sisters wear habits?
I love this. Please never cease. And also, is there any sister that speaks spanish as a native language or that has learnt to do so as a second one because I would love to have an spanish edition of this website or a couple of articles in spanish too, so I can share with my friends that dont speak english. Thank you so much. May God continue his work on all of you.
I’ve been thinking about religious life and recently spent 3 weeks in a convent. Honestly I didn’t really like it all that much because of the living conditions and because it’s far from home/family. But I feel like I’m being called to be there. I’m 16 years old and the oldest they accept is 17. I’m scared but I love God, I love Jesus and I think I should go back..but I’m also tempted to just find another convent that is easier to live in…what do you guys think?
I consider myself more spiritual than religious at this point in my life, but I was raised Catholic. perusal these incredible women was so special for me today, and I really would just like to say thank you….Just their energy and eloquence is enough to inspire. Thank you for blessing me with this article today!!! 🥹
I think it’s amazing that these very relatable and enthusiastic young women became sisters and are sharing Jesus’s love with the world! They are absolutely infectious! I have had an on-again, off-again relationship with God for a very long time, but these ladies are clearly so pure and genuinely filled with God’s love remind me He’s there. ❤
God bless all religious men and women! Thank you sisters for all you do. I just recently went on a retreat to a convent and it was so peaceful. The level of holiness the sisters had was something to admire. I’m definitely struggling with worldly desires & vices like trying to make more money(greed), crushing hard on guys (lust), worrying about my future and feeling like I’m a failure. While on retreat, I noticed that the sisters were so loving. I never felt judged, I was taken care of, they didn’t seem to worry about worldly things & looked so happy. The devil is deceitful and I pray the rosary daily, the devine mercy chaplet (when I can), try to go to frequent confession & try to go to daily mass. It’s definitely a battle. I pray to deepen my faith, to love in a pure way and to stop worrying and to put my trust in the Lord. Please pray for me and sending prayers to all who are struggling with these same vices. May the Lord give us strength to do his will.
Watching from India !! The habit lends a very special dignity to the person. A Sr, or Nun in habit used to command immense respect in the Indian subcontinent before the present dispensation. Hindu parents used to stand in long queues to get their daughters in a Convent school. They still do. I too did my entire schooling in Convents.
If I’m married and pregnant with my 4th child, is it too late for me to become a sister? 😂 just kidding! I love seeing sisters. I live near the the national Shrine of Mary in Washington DC, and during Good Friday last year, I took my young children to the shrine, and a sister was walking in her full flowing habit, and my little five year old’s eyes lit up and she stared at her. Evangelization happens everywhere and we appreciate all that our religious do! Thank you!
I am a “cradle Catholic” and I wanted to be a nun all of my young life. I’m 53 now and I’ve got a husband, 5 grown children, yet I still yearn to be a nun….to be with God our Father. I told my husband that if he is called home before me I want to be a nun. He was very supportive. We have no grandchildren and when I told my grown children what I wanted to do they were a bit upset. My daughter did not like the idea that she’d have to bring her child to see her grandmother, the nun. Truthfully I’m not worth accepting into a convent because I’m disabled now so I have nothing to offer. I am a professional artist who paints fine art on silk, creates stained glass things and more. But, alas, no!🥺 It’s been a dream of mine to be a nun all of my younger life and it’s never gone away. You both are so very blessed to be with Him and so close to Him! Thank you both so very much for generously sharing your lives with us! God bless you all, Sisters! 🙂🙃🙂
My aunt was a Catholic nun in Mexico from 1960 to 1999. During this time, she served as a mother Superior and traveled extensively throughout the country. She was considered progressive by the Church’s standards and helped countless people in their weakest and darkest moments. She was a non-judgmental person who loved everyone for who they were. I loved her with all my heart, and she loved me too. Sadly, she lost her battle to cancer almost two years ago, and I still find it challenging to cope with her loss. I often dream of her, and in my dreams, she tells me she loves me and thanks me for not forgetting her. Her last words to me were, “Never forget about me.” Hopefully, someday I will be able to see her again.
In a world mired in selfishness, status seeking, and materialism, it is so uplifting to see people who are not burdened by such preoccupations. Instead, they find purpose in the service of others. One can partake in philosophical debate and argue over the minutia of some esoteric precept of theology, but what truly engages people is seeing the abundant joy of those who live a vocational life. That is why nuns and others who live a consecrated life imbue people with so much hope regarding what life could be. Thank you, Sisters, for being who you are and answering Jesus’ call. Thank you, Jesus, for calling these women to dedicate themselves to a higher objective.
You are so nice women, so authentic, wise, and it’s nice to be around You even by perusal Youtube articles. The atmosphere around You is really welcoming. There are so many women dissapointed with their lives and You seem not sad/angry/full of resentment but …happy! That brings so much fresh air into the world. And makes Your choice kinda worth it, the happiness makes me believe it is not a mistake but a great thing. Obviously, not for every one, but for You – for sure.
I love how the mugs match their outfits. I would love to learn more about the naming/re-naming process it sounds super interesting. Also I’d love to learn more about your outfits, how you put them on and the individual parts, I really like the way your habits(?) look. And I love that story about the sister with the little girl, it reminds me of when I was a Sunday school teacher who worked with three and four year olds. The things those kiddos said!
The Sisters look very happy and at peace. God bless them. Was wondering the sufferings, torture, intimidation faced by the Apostles and the first Christians who made Lord Jesus Christ their Saviour and Mother Mary their Mother. And over the centuries how many Nuns, Sisters and Priests embraced martyrdom for their love and affection for our Lord and His beloved Mother. We Christians are indebted to them for keeping the flame burning by dedicating their lives for our Lord and Mother.❤🙏
Absolutely fascinating. I have much respect for nuns and women of the church. I was raised Baptist, I go to a Lutheran church, and work outreach with a non-denominational program. What’s most important to me is that Christ is taught for who He is. He is God. He died for our sins and rose on the 3rd day. And we do not get to heaven by our works but only through the sacrifice and grace of Jesus. So I can hold hands with my many brothers and sisters in Christ. I wish I was Catholic because that’s what I would love to do. Pray all day sounds awesome.
God Bless you Sisters! Nice to see young nuns commuted to their vows. Please pray for all female religious orders in Cape Town South Africa. They are all dying out at an alarming rate with little or no vocations for many years. Some have already given up hope and waiting to die like the Loretto Sisters. Once a large and proud order they have dwindled down to ONE elderly retired sister who lives outside of a convent. The Carmelites were 13 when they moved into their new convent now they’ve dwindled down to 4! The once powerful and very numerous Dominican Cabra Sisters have dwindled down to 12 retired nuns the oldest is over 90! The list goes on and on and even some orders have closed down, sold their properties and left overseas. Cape Town is a big problem for vocations. Some orders rent their old convents out for University Student Accommodation etc. It’s all very sad!
I went to Catholic schools so I know about nuns I kind of have to laugh a little bit on some of the questions that some people are asking you? Nuns are humans after all right? 🤗 And I’m glad to see that you’re getting out there with the latest communication. I think it opens up the door to young people who are ignorant to Catholicism, Nuns and Priests. God Bless Sisters.🙏✝️
I was raised in the Catholic Church, went to Catholic School. The nuns were solidly against the students, never smiled, never offered comfort. They spoke to us as if we were beneath them, it was a horrible experience. I’m glad to see that there are good women who love the Lord and feel blessed to serve the church.
My grandfather was an Irish immigrant who, after he moved to the States in the 1920s, was employed as the groundskeeper for the Cardinal of Philadelphia, so my mom’s whole family grew up essentially surrounded by Catholic nuns…they were at all my birthday parties as a child, I have tons of baby photos where I’m sitting in a random nun’s lap (usually screaming lol)…I consider myself agnostic today but I still enjoy hearing from younger Sisters and seeing all their unique personalities.
Hello sisters, nice to meet you! Thank you for the article! I’ve been curious about nuns for so long. I have a few questions. Question: What made you decide to become a nun? Question 2: What do you do went you aren’t in prayer? What does a day in the life look like for a nun? Question 3: Since you don’t have any money, do you guys go out or travel and visit your family? Question 4: Can you stop being a nun if you want?
I have a question no one wants to ever answer but it’s a legitimate question and yes, I’m religious. So the question is: If you found out you had dedicated your life to a being that ended up being non-existent, would you attempt to have a life outside the church? I’ve been asked this in a different way: “If you dedicated your whole life to God, died and were aware after death would you be extremely upset you wasted a lot of time and effort for no reason”. I would be very disappointed
When i worked in the Empire State Building years ago, a group of Sisters entered the elevator going up to the observation Deck. I can feel the excitement. I heard one say, i’m going to be closer to God. I felt the Joy in that car and my whole day was better because of these Sisters. We need more Sisters in our World. it makes it a better Place.
The bible speaks about actually Paul says that some people are meant to marry and some people are called to not and its a gift .I didnt know that they were married to Jesus. I think thats beautiful and to give your life over to Jesus and to prayer in that way is amazing.I never heard of sisters I thought sisters were nuns .Im not catholic Im spirit filled nondenominational, but God has been teaching me about giving respect to all forms of Christianity and how we are all one and follow Him.Its all about how we connect to the Trinity its quite incredible .I pray we can all be more understanding b/c in heaven it wont matter
Strange coincidence that after viewing this article I pulled out a flyer out of my jacket pocket that I forgot about. This was just random because I was only looking for my glasses. In this flyer I saw pictures of nuns in blue and white habits and I realized the habits were the same as the article I just finished perusal. The flyer which is regarding Sisters of Life Lenten Mission has the name Sr. Marie Veritas who coincidentally is in this article. From finishing perusal this to finding the flyer happened consecutively in less than a minute. I didn’t know what to do whether this was a miracle or coincidence. All I could do was say a prayer for these sisters and realized that not all Saints are in the past.
I love everything you said thanks for filling me in it’s a lot of what I kind of guessed I was wondering why I only see the ones with blue that look like you walking around and talking to me I’ve been to 20 countries all around the world as seen all sorts of people and religions and I know pretty well what real happiness is and what good and bad people are and you sisters seem like some of the most content spiritual happy beings I’ve ever seen..I respect and love you all keep it up and everybody else I dare you to try to be as cool as them good luck
When I was in high school, one of the science teachers (i can’t remember which type of science) was a sister, and she also ran our Safe Grad program. She was very nice, and I believe she wore pants, but that’s not exactly related to anything I think. Not sure if she still teaches there (this is in New Brunswick Canada) I’m Pagan (recently converted) but I have an appreciation to other religions, and learning more about them.
School Sisters of Notre Dame taught me in elementary school. They are all gone now. 😢 I’m glad others are carrying the mantle. Also: there are brothers. I know the Franciscans have brothers, Jesuits also, to a lesser extent. (In fact the “guy” who runs the papal observatory is a Jesuit brother.) I’ve visited the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America. As with Jesuits, the friars are priests and brothers. I don’t know if they make their own “friar suits,” but I know they wear regular pants under them.