"Home computers are being called upon to perform many new functions, including the consumption of homework formerly eaten by the dog."
-- Doug Larson
"Given a choice between two theories, take the one which is funnier."
-- Blore's Razor
"And that's the world in a nutshell, an appropriate receptacle."
-- Stan Dunn
Friday, August 7, 2009
Where have all the nuns all gone . . .?
After Mass, yesterday, two ladies in matching beige skirts, white shirts, and beige sweaters walked past us. Only by word of mouth, on other occasions, did we know they were nuns. An older man looked after them and then to me and said, "Where have all the REAL nuns gone?" Okay, we both realized they WERE real nuns but, from outward appearance, they just looked like two, middle-aged women with similar outfits.
I wonder how many vocations go missing because young girls do not have the example of nuns in their lives. Although I know that clothing does not make the person, or, in this case, the vocation, example does!
I grew up around nuns. Almost all my teachers were nuns. After school, we'd see them all head for the convent and wondered what 'nunly' things went on to keep them so happy with their road in life. WE wanted to BE a nun and wear the wonderful sign of their Faith and vocation. Seeing a whole row of nuns at Mass was truly an uplifting experience and made me want to pray as hard as they were to attain that gift. Every time a nun would come onto the playground, the children, especially the girls, would be immediately by her side.
Today's modern nuns, I'm sure, have just as good a prayer life but they don't stand out in the crowd. It is often hard to tell a nun from a middle-aged woman attending Mass. Yes, a devout woman IS a good example but a nun in full 'uniform' makes a profound statement.
We used to have a sweet nun at our parish who didn't have a habit of any sort but pretty much dressed like the rest of us. My girls loved sister but never really got the point that she was a nun.
I know I'm old-fashioned but I think the various orders gave up a lot when they decided to give up their habits. It is also interesting to note that the orders that still respect the dignity of wearing a discernable habit seem to have more vocations. Wonder if any of the powers that be have made this connection?
I wonder how many vocations go missing because young girls do not have the example of nuns in their lives. Although I know that clothing does not make the person, or, in this case, the vocation, example does!
I grew up around nuns. Almost all my teachers were nuns. After school, we'd see them all head for the convent and wondered what 'nunly' things went on to keep them so happy with their road in life. WE wanted to BE a nun and wear the wonderful sign of their Faith and vocation. Seeing a whole row of nuns at Mass was truly an uplifting experience and made me want to pray as hard as they were to attain that gift. Every time a nun would come onto the playground, the children, especially the girls, would be immediately by her side.
Today's modern nuns, I'm sure, have just as good a prayer life but they don't stand out in the crowd. It is often hard to tell a nun from a middle-aged woman attending Mass. Yes, a devout woman IS a good example but a nun in full 'uniform' makes a profound statement.
We used to have a sweet nun at our parish who didn't have a habit of any sort but pretty much dressed like the rest of us. My girls loved sister but never really got the point that she was a nun.
I know I'm old-fashioned but I think the various orders gave up a lot when they decided to give up their habits. It is also interesting to note that the orders that still respect the dignity of wearing a discernable habit seem to have more vocations. Wonder if any of the powers that be have made this connection?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)