In the United States, the number of women under the age of 30 who choose the path of becoming nuns is exceptionally rare, constituting less than one percent of the total nun population. This trend has shown little change over the past decade, reflecting the significant sacrifices these women make in leaving behind modern conveniences and lifestyles to embrace a life dedicated to spirituality and community.
Each year, between 100 and 200 women commence their journey into religious life in the U.S., yet not all complete the process to become nuns. Those who persevere relinquish various aspects of modern life, such as dating, material wealth, and often technology, to live a life rooted in spirituality. The average age of nuns is notably high, around 80 years, underscoring the rarity of younger women entering this vocation.
The Pope has recently encouraged increased prayer for more individuals to join religious orders, as the number of men and women entering these paths continues to decline in parts of the world, including the U.S. and Europe. One poignant example is Zoey Stapleton, a 24-year-old who joined the Franciscan Sisters, T.O.R of Penance of the Sorrowful Mother in Ohio. This group, known for its conservative practices, embraces simplicity in lifestyle, with sisters donning modest attire and limiting their use of modern technology.
For example, Zoey Stapleton was drawn by the joy and freedom she observed within the sisterhood. “I think it connected with that part of me like wanting to express actually how much I do love the Lord,” she remarked, highlighting the deep personal commitment required.
The vow of poverty is a significant aspect of becoming a nun, involving the relinquishment of personal possessions, including debts. Katie Power, another aspirant with the Carmelites of St. Thérèse of Lisieux in Pennsylvania, shared her struggle with student loans, which impedes many young women from fully committing to religious life. The Labouré Society plays a pivotal role in offering financial support to these individuals, enabling them to pursue their vocations.
The path to becoming a nun is long and demanding, averaging between seven and ten years. It entails stages such as postulancy, novitiate, and ultimately taking perpetual vows. Sister Seyram Mary Adzokpa faced the unique challenge of discerning her vocation amid a global pandemic, requiring her to connect with the Sisters of the Holy Family in New Orleans virtually. Despite these hurdles, she successfully transitioned into this new chapter of her life.
Sister Adzokpa’s nursing background allows her to serve the older sisters at the Lafon Nursing Facility of the Holy Family, demonstrating the community’s reliance on one another across generational divides. “I truly find it God’s grace that I’m able to not feel isolated, even though the age gap is tremendous,” she shared, reflecting the mutual support within the community.
The journey of young women entering religious life in the U.S. is marked by significant personal and societal challenges. As the numbers continue to dwindle, those who choose this path do so with a profound sense of commitment and sacrifice, often finding deep personal fulfillment in their spiritual endeavors.
Source: Apnews
