Rachel Evans
Nuns are women who have dedicated 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 are most commonly associated with the Christian or Catholic religion, but other religions such as Buddhism, Judaism, and Taoism also have similar communities of religious women. In the Catholic tradition, nuns belong to religious institutes, each with its own special character, and they are not allowed to marry, use social media, or own smartphones.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Religion | Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Taoism |
| Sect | Catholic, Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Anglican, Presbyterian |
| Vows | Poverty, chastity, obedience, silence |
| Lifestyle | Simple, spiritual, celibate |
| Clothing | Habit, tunic, scapular, wimple, veil, rosary, crucifix |
| Work | Charitable, teaching, nursing, devotional objects, jams, soaps |
| Living | Monastery, convent, cloistered communities |
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What You'll Learn
Nuns in other religions
Nuns are most commonly associated with the Catholic Church, but they exist in other Christian denominations, too, including Anglican, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Orthodox traditions.
Outside of Christianity, nuns exist in other religions, such as Buddhism, where female monastics are known as Bhikkhuni and are most common in Mahayana Buddhism. In Buddhism, nuns take several additional vows compared to male monastics (bhikkhus).
In Hinduism and the Quanzhen school of Daoism, there are also nuns and monks. In ancient Rome, there were Vestal Virgins, and similar priestesses existed in parts of the Near East.
In some forms of Paganism, a "wise woman" dedicated to medicinal or herbal knowledge and the shamanistic needs of her community could be considered a form of nun.
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Vows and rules
Nuns are women who have dedicated their lives to religious service and contemplation. They are found in the Catholic, Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Anglican, Presbyterian, and some other Christian denominations. Nuns are also found in other religious traditions, such as Buddhism, Judaism, and Taoism.
To become a nun, a woman must leave the civilian world behind and follow a strict set of rules. She must take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. These vows are made before entering a religious community, usually a convent or monastery, where the nun will lead a simple and spiritual life.
Poverty, in this context, means that nuns cannot own property or have any personal possessions. They are not paid for their work and must give any earnings to their religious order. Chastity means remaining celibate and not engaging in sexual relationships, as nuns consider themselves married to Jesus. Obedience entails submitting to the authority of the Church and following its teachings and those of their religious leaders. Nuns may also be required to take a vow of silence.
In addition to these vows, nuns are expected to dress modestly and are typically not allowed to use smartphones or social media, according to a decree by Pope Francis. They may also be advised to stay within the church and not interact with people outside unless necessary. Those who take solemn vows tend to live in cloistered communities.
Before becoming a nun, a woman must ensure she is physically and psychologically able to engage in the mission of the religious community. She cannot be married in the eyes of the Church; if she is, she must obtain an annulment. Widows and women with grown children can become nuns, but dependent children are not permitted. It is also important to be free of debt.
Nuns join specific orders or congregations, which are like 'sects' within a religion. Different orders have different rules and expectations for their members. Daily duties may include praying, maintaining church facilities, and charitable acts. Some orders focus on education, while others care for the sick, poor, mentally challenged, or elderly. Some nuns make devotional objects like rosaries and vestments, or jams and soaps to sell and support the convent.
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Habits and dress codes
Nuns are women who dedicate their lives to religious service and contemplation, living under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience in a monastery or convent. They are found in the Catholic, Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Anglican, and some Presbyterian traditions, as well as other Christian denominations.
The habit and dress codes of nuns vary across different religious orders and have changed over time. In Christian monastic orders of the Catholic, Lutheran, and Anglican Churches, the habit typically consists of a tunic covered by a scapular and cowl, with a veil for nuns. The scapular is a long, wide piece of woolen cloth worn over the shoulders with an opening for the head. The veil, which is considered the most ancient aspect of the habit, can be worn down to cover the face or up to expose it, and is sometimes accompanied by a white underveil. The colour of the veil can vary depending on the order and the status of the nun, with novices and professed sisters and nuns wearing different colours. In some cases, the novice's habit may be slightly different from the customary habit, such as wearing a grey veil instead of white or black.
Some orders, such as the Dominicans, wear a large rosary on their belt, while Benedictine abbesses wear a cross or crucifix on a chain around their neck. After the Second Vatican Council, many religious institutes chose to no longer wear the traditional habit and did away with choosing a religious name. Catholic Canon Law requires only that the clothing of nuns be identifiable so that they may serve as a witness of the Evangelical counsels.
In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, the distinctive headdress is the kalymafki, a stiffened black hat similar to a fez, covered with a veil. In the Greek Orthodox tradition, the distinctive dress is the analavos, a garment made of leather or wool that covers the shoulders and forms a cross in the front and back. This is often held in place by a polystavrion, a long cord with numerous crosses.
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History of nuns
Nuns, or sisters, are women who devote themselves to the Catholic Church and a life of service and prayer. The history of nuns dates back to the early days of the Church, with women embracing the religious state for its own sake, without regard to missionary work or ecclesiastical functions. The concept of nuns in Catholicism may have originated from the "'Desert Mothers'" of the late 3rd century, who chose to live as hermits in the deserts of Egypt, Palestine, and Syria, dedicating their lives to prayer and serving Christ.
In the 4th century, women began removing themselves from society to follow lives of religious contemplation in monasteries or cloisters, known as the first nuns. Notable figures from this period include Syncletica of Alexandria, Theodora of Alexandria, and Sarah of the Desert. Monasteries of women were generally separate from those of men, with St. Pachomius being a proponent of this separation. In the 9th century, the list of women vowed to the service of God included virgins, nuns bound by religious profession, deaconesses, and wives or widows of men in Sacred Orders.
During the Middle Ages, nuns played an important role in English monasticism, with sites such as Denny, Wenlock, Whitby, and White Ladies serving as homes for monastic communities of women. However, records from this period also reveal instances of nuns breaking their monastic vows, forming cliques, and engaging in illicit sexual relationships. The end of the 16th century saw the suppression of nunneries in England under Henry VIII, leading some nuns to continue living according to their vows outside the formal structures of the Church.
In 1298, Pope Boniface VIII issued a proclamation that nuns must live away from society, especially away from the company of men, devoting themselves solely to prayer. This restricted the roles nuns could take on. However, in the 17th century, Father Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac recognised the potential of cloistered servants of God and recruited women interested in serving the poor. These women, known as the Daughters of Charity, served in hospitals, schools, and poorhouses across France.
In the 19th century, the number of nuns in America grew rapidly, with sisters outnumbering priests and brothers. They played a significant role in American religion, education, nursing, and social work. By the early 20th century, Pope Leo XIII recognised as religious all men and women who took simple vows, orienting their lives towards social service and evangelization. The Second Vatican Council in the 1960s brought about significant changes, including a more inclusive and modern understanding of Catholicism and the role of nuns.
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Becoming a nun
Nuns are women who vow to 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. Nuns are found in the Catholic, Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, and Anglican traditions, as well as some Presbyterian and other Christian denominations.
If you are considering becoming a nun, it is important to first understand the requirements and the process. Here are some steps to guide you on your journey:
Understanding the Requirements
To become a nun in the Catholic Church, there are several requirements that one needs to meet. Firstly, you must be Roman Catholic and a woman. You must also be single or widowed; if you are divorced, you may need to obtain an annulment. Additionally, you should not have any dependent children, as your first duty is to them. It is also important to ensure that you do not have any debts, as this may impact your eligibility.
Discerning Your Calling
The decision to become a nun should be approached with prayer and discernment. Through prayer, you can seek to understand if God is calling you to this state of life. Many react to this calling with fear and anxiety, but it is essential to be open and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you. Talking to your parish priest and other Catholics can provide support and help you discern God's will.
Exploring Religious Communities
Once you have discerned your calling, the next step is to explore different religious communities. You can start by contacting a Vocation Director, who can provide specific information about the steps and requirements for becoming a nun in their community. If you know a nun in the community, she can introduce you to the Vocation Director and other sisters. Alternatively, you can find the contact information for the Vocation Director on the community's website. Additionally, you can reach out to the Vocations Office in your diocese or use resources like the VISION Vocation Network to find Catholic religious communities that align with your interests and values.
The Formation Process
The process of becoming a nun typically involves several stages, including candidacy, novitiate, and taking vows. During the candidacy phase, you will live in community with other sisters, participate in regular meetings, and engage in prayer and ministry. The novitiate period is a time of intense reflection and preparation for your vows. The length of this process can vary, but it generally takes several years to complete.
Taking Vows
As a nun, you will typically take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. These vows are a commitment to a life of simplicity, celibacy, and submission to the authority of the Church and your religious community.
Living a Contemplative Life
As a nun, your life will be dedicated to prayer and service. You may engage in various occupations, such as teaching, nursing, or running religious institutions. Additionally, you may create devotional objects or tend to the needs of the convent, embodying the monastic ideal of "ora et labora" ("pray and work").
Remember, the journey to becoming a nun is a deeply personal and spiritual one. It requires a strong commitment and a willingness to dedicate your life to God's service. By following these steps and seeking guidance from spiritual directors and vocation ministers, you can embark on the path toward becoming a nun in a thoughtful and informed manner.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, nuns are predominantly found in the Catholic Church. However, other religions such as Buddhism, Judaism, and Taoism also have similar communities of religious women.
A woman must be physically and psychologically able to engage in the mission of the religious community. She must not be married in the eyes of the Church, and if she is a widow or has children, they must be independent. She must also be free of debt.
Nuns take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. They may also be required to take a vow of silence.
