Just 85 women in England and Wales became nuns or religious sisters between 2018 and 2022, according to recent statistics. Sister Catherine is one of them. While faith has always been important to Catherine, 26, she did not always plan on joining a religious order. Despite dreaming of getting married and having seven children, her desire to belong totally to God never left her. After initially doubting herself, she eventually joined The Community of Our Lady of Walsingham, based in a converted barn, and has been with the order for almost four years.
A typical day for Catherine involves at least three hours in prayer and silent contemplation. However, she and the other sisters are also involved in the community, giving talks in schools, working in prisons, and also with university students. They also maintain the convent and its grounds, as well as its website and social media channels. She says the small group has a lot of fun, enjoying crafting, baking, and board games.
Sister Theresa joined the order when she was older than Catherine. Now 39, she has been with the order for almost 15 years. She initially rejected the idea of becoming a nun, but after feeling joyful in prayer, decided to explore the possibility. After meeting other young Catholics on retreats, she felt called to become a religious sister. Although she initially desired marriage and children, she said the opportunity to nurture others through her work is just as fulfilling as being a mother.
Formerly a palliative care nurse, Sister Camilla explains that joining a religious order was a different expression of the same vocation – “the love of God and love of people”. She believes if young people knew how beautiful the life of a nun or sister is, many more would choose it. The community is seeing more women interested in this kind of life, and there are even potential plans to expand, with the possibility of men living and worshipping on the site
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