Many of the women who are nuns today joined the vocation because it was a way to become highly educated, travel the world and dedicate themselves to a higher good without being beholden to a husband or children.
I am constantly reminded of something Sister Maureen Fiedler, a feminist and the host of the public radio program Interfaith Voices told me when I interviewed her for my book: the fact that Jesus was, and is, an “equal-opportunity employer.” He loved everyone the same.
Speaking at the annual LCWR assembly earlier this month, Franciscan Sister Ilia Delio described exactly what it means to be a nun today: “We are about drawing in the poor, the lonely, the marginalized, all those seeking to be part of a whole,” she said. “This is nothing more and nothing less than the most awesome vocation.
Nuns were the backbone of the RC US parochial school system:
They were educated
They were dedicated
They worked for basically sub-poverty wages living communally
See: History of Catholic education in the United States: ” The Irish and other Catholic ethnic groups looked to parochial schools not only to protect their religion, but to enhance their culture and language. The main impetus was fear that exposure to Protestant teachers in the public schools, and Protestant fellow students, would lead to a loss of faith. Protestants reacted by strong opposition to any public funding of parochial schools. The Catholics nevertheless built their elementary schools, parish by parish, using very low paid sisters as teachers.”
The article suggests that one of the things that characterizes nuns today is a commitment not to Catholicism, but rather to progressive politics. And so even beyond my differences with Rome, if that is what is disappearing, good riddance. And Catholic laymen ought to carefully consider what they’re funding when they give money to a Catholic order these days—as a Catholic friend of mine described “Catholic” colleges as teaching anything but Catholicism.
T. Howard—why you felt that community might be something this whole forum might be interested in. I know I am.
Bert,
It boils down to three words: genuineness, judgmentalism, and acceptance.
First, the community I experienced at the Catholic university wasn’t manufactured, forced, or cajoled; it was real and genuine. While PCC kept encouraging us to “catch the spirit,” the spirit of faith, community, service and hospitality at my Catholic university was pervasive among the student body. People served others in various ways on and off campus not because they had to, but because they were passionate and wanted to make a difference.
Second, I did not feel like I was under constant surveillance and scrutiny. I was actually treated and respected as an adult.
Third, while I obviously didn’t agree with the Marianist theology, every person, no matter their faith or background, was treated with respect and openness. PCC didn’t / doesn’t even allow the discussion of differing views, let alone treat its students and alumni with respect and openness. My wife and I were blacklisted as alumni by PCC just for associating with the “wrong people.”
Discussion
NewThe Singing Nun - Dominique (1963 )
My favorite Nun
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EO7cD6qmydo
Twitter
Jim's Doctrinal Statement
NewLacking Perspective
A few interesting quotes:
NewNuns were the backbone of the RC US parochial school system
Nuns were the backbone of the RC US parochial school system:
See: History of Catholic education in the United States: ” The Irish and other Catholic ethnic groups looked to parochial schools not only to protect their religion, but to enhance their culture and language. The main impetus was fear that exposure to Protestant teachers in the public schools, and Protestant fellow students, would lead to a loss of faith. Protestants reacted by strong opposition to any public funding of parochial schools. The Catholics nevertheless built their elementary schools, parish by parish, using very low paid sisters as teachers.”
Twitter
Jim's Doctrinal Statement
NewI once was in love with a nun - Sister Bertrille
Oh the cuteness of Sally Field (back when I was 18). She reminded me of an earlier love - Gigdet
Twitter
Jim's Doctrinal Statement
NewNow: "low pay" is the common denominator
The IFBs built their day schools, church by church, using very low paid graduates of fundamentalist schools as teachers
Twitter
Jim's Doctrinal Statement
NewThe article suggests that one
The article suggests that one of the things that characterizes nuns today is a commitment not to Catholicism, but rather to progressive politics. And so even beyond my differences with Rome, if that is what is disappearing, good riddance. And Catholic laymen ought to carefully consider what they’re funding when they give money to a Catholic order these days—as a Catholic friend of mine described “Catholic” colleges as teaching anything but Catholicism.
Aspiring to be a stick in the mud.
NewBert Perry wrote:
Yes, that is why I included the quotes above. If these quotes are representative of the majority of nuns, I would be concerned if I were Catholic.
That being said, As a graduate of a catholic university, I will say I felt more part of a family as a student there than I did while a student at PCC.
NewT. Howard--why you felt that
T. Howard—why you felt that community might be something this whole forum might be interested in. I know I am.
Aspiring to be a stick in the mud.
NewBert Perry wrote:
Bert,
It boils down to three words: genuineness, judgmentalism, and acceptance.
First, the community I experienced at the Catholic university wasn’t manufactured, forced, or cajoled; it was real and genuine. While PCC kept encouraging us to “catch the spirit,” the spirit of faith, community, service and hospitality at my Catholic university was pervasive among the student body. People served others in various ways on and off campus not because they had to, but because they were passionate and wanted to make a difference.
Second, I did not feel like I was under constant surveillance and scrutiny. I was actually treated and respected as an adult.
Third, while I obviously didn’t agree with the Marianist theology, every person, no matter their faith or background, was treated with respect and openness. PCC didn’t / doesn’t even allow the discussion of differing views, let alone treat its students and alumni with respect and openness. My wife and I were blacklisted as alumni by PCC just for associating with the “wrong people.”