Nuns can have nose rings? (and other frequently asked questions)

One of my favorite things about being a young sister-in-formation is allowing people to ask me their burning (and sometimes silly) questions about religious life.  Questions like: Do nuns have jobs?  Can you still go dancing and swimming?  You mean you get to keep that nose ring?

Becoming a sister right now is an interesting thing: religious life has changed drastically in the past fifty years, but many people’s stereotypes about it haven’t.  Many of these stereotypes seem superficial (ie- all nuns wear habits; nuns don’t dance) but they may reflect deeper misconceptions about religious life… like the idea that sisters are somehow more holy or less human than “normal” people.  For a long time, my own misconceptions kept me from really considering religious life.

And so I enjoy the questions.  I love making people feel free to ask them, and I love surprising them with the answers.  After all, they aren’t really asking about my nose ring; they want to know about this way of life.  So I tell them: for me, pursuing religious life is liberating, life-giving, and joyful beyond words.  It’s a journey I’m excited to continue… with my nose ring intact.

How about you?  What are some stereotypes you have about religious life?  Might they be holding you back from giving it some thought?

Christin Tomy, Candidate

Jacksonville, FL

Comments

  1. I love this. When I was in grade school at St.Tarcissus in Chicago, our Sister gave us a chance to ask her questions like these. I still remember the look on her face when I asked her if Sisters wore pajamas...
    Donna Chenoweth
    (New) Springfield Associate

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  2. I’d love to join the order but it feels like running away from a life that is unsatisfying. I have reached my materialistic goals but not my spiritual ones. At the moment while I am not suicidal my interest in living has ceased to exist. I do my best to make contributions to others - give of my time and my wealth - but there is still a great hole. I pray for God to show me the way and although I think I am open to his answers, no matter how subtle they may be I haven’t seen, heard, or known them. Please pray that I may discern the Path that I must follow. If you want to respond I will appreciate any suggestions you might offer as a preacher of the Word.

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  3. Just got done watching the sound of music. Try it, a vocation. You:have nothing to lose and a lot to gain. Remember to keep busy and get enough sleep. This will help with your suicidal thoughts. Whether or not you know it, someone is always counting on you. Merry Christmas!

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  4. https://www.xvideos.com/video30548085/nun_getting_tempted_and_having_a_wonderful_sex_with_worker#show-related

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