I was a pagan and practising witch for seven years, made friends (accidentally!) with a Cistercian monk and visited his monastery. Ever since then, I believe God has come into my life and made himself known to me and I have been compelled to read books about becoming a nun. Am I being called to be a nun? Could I even think about becoming a nun when I haven't been baptised as a Christian?
Serious answers only please, please no anti-Christian stuff. Thanks.
2006-09-26 08:47:05 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Dear Friend:
I think your history will help you. Don't be afraid of it. I was raised Catholic. Walked away from it for years. Took up witchery myself for decades. I find it has helped me communicate with those who love paganism. To be "eccumenical!"
God calls us when He calls us. You can think about it. You can read about it. You can dream about it. Most orders will ask for a 3 year wait after your confirmation. So don't feel pressured. Right now is the beginning of RCIA. The Right of Christian Initiation for Adults.
If you even have an incling of a calling, you might want to jump in and start getting your ducks in a row so you can be on your way.
Cisternians are a very strict order. Do you want to go that strict? There are lesser strict orders. Franciscans, Benedictines, Dominicans. Find your "charism" and go from there.
My charism is Franciscan. I am joining the Secular Franciscan Order. I will be a Franciscan in the world - rather than a cloistered nun. I would dearly love to go to the cloister. But God wants me out in the world helping others. Like YOU!
Do you want an order with a habit? Do you want an order devoted to Adoration? Teaching? Helping the poor? There are tons of things to consider. You've also got TONS of time!
God bless!
2006-09-26 08:59:03 · answer #1 · answered by Max Marie, OFS 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all thanks for your honest question.
Now, to my counsel for you. You will be able to do much more as a follower of Jesus than if you were to become a nun. So my advice would be to seek an honest relationship with Jesus. If you haven't already, ask him into your heart (your daily life and living) and ask Him to be your Lord (the living example and influence in your life).
As a follower of Jesus you will be able to go places and do a good many more things for people than you would as a Nun. If you've read the New Testament, you'll notice that the Apostle Paul was not necessarily sanctioned by anyone but he wrote most of the new testament. Jesus will be much more able to get you where He needs you to be if you aren't trying to obey someone else's rules (religion).
Here is a URL that may help you with your question.
http://www.raystedman.org/authenxnty/
Since God appears to be calling you, rest assured, be at peace with the fact, that no one that He calls has ever gone the wrong way. . . "for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable " (Romans 11:29)
2006-09-26 09:07:01 · answer #2 · answered by Bruce 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Clearly you have a need for something in your life, whether or not it is the Catholic church is a decision only you can decide.
I guess you should probably do some thinking, ideally with an objective third party (ie. a therapist) as to what you want from life, and how you see yourself in the future. Clearly, if you want a family, a nunnery is not for you.
You can still do good and give to people free of any church or religion.
I think getting to what is creating that hole in your life is the first thing you need to do; then you can determine if you wish to follow any specific path.
As to becoming a nun, baptism is a Protestant thing, not a Catholic ceremony. They christen at birth, though I'm not sure how they handle converts.
If it were me, I'd explore myself first, then if I still felt the urge, talk to a priest.
+++
Just so you know how loving Catholics can be (of course not all are this bad) I just got a hate mail for suggesting you see objective counsel before committing. Zealots are a problem in any religion.
2006-09-26 08:51:30 · answer #3 · answered by Lori A 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are being called. A nun is pretty special though. The entire Catholic Church is the Bride of Christ though, so even if you are to become just a regular person in the pews you are much better off than alot of the people around today. Many on this site even!
2006-09-26 09:08:25 · answer #4 · answered by Midge 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is possible that God is tugging at your heart. I don't know about becoming a nun as being what you are called to do, but the best thing I could suggest is pray about it. I too was Wiccan at one point in my life, and after giving the Lord a chance to work in my heart, and to stop fighting Him, I have had amazing, miraculous things happen. You have a purpose in this life, seek it and you won't have any idea what hit you :)
2006-09-26 08:52:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a big step, and the life of a nun is certainly not for everyone. I would take it easy and ease your way into Christianity before making such a commitment.
May you find joy and fulfillment on your spiritual journey.
I highly recommend that you read _The Cloister Walk_ by Kathleen Norris. Wonderful book.
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1058/is_n28_v113/ai_18774392
2006-09-26 08:50:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You cannot become a nun without first becoming Catholic and conforming to their requirements. Only you and God know if you are being called.
2006-09-26 08:50:22 · answer #7 · answered by Preacher 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you are under 25, and single, its quite common to consider being a nun, especially after "discovering" christianity for the first time.
2006-09-26 08:49:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have a very interesting story. Please click on my avatar to communicate with me. I would like to hear more about you.
Anyway about your question. There are some religious communities that are ecumenical, but you really should be Christian to be in them. Most religious commmunites are Catholic, so you would have to be baptized, recieve the sacraments of Penance, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation before you could enter.
2006-09-26 09:09:32 · answer #9 · answered by Maurus B. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's great to see that you can recognise God directing you. I think you should focus on becoming a Christian first by accepting Christ into your life and see where God takes you from there. I'm so excited for you! I'll add you to my prayers!
2006-09-26 08:55:10 · answer #10 · answered by disciple 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋