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WannabeNunAndMother wrote:

Hi, guys —

  • What are the stipulations and expectations of a new mother if they wish to join a convent as a nun?

I am a single mother and was set on joining a convent as a nun prior to falling pregnant. I could not find any organizations that could help (when with a child) when joining a convent. I was declined support by women's aid due to not wanting to take the father to court or getting the police involved.

Let me give you some background:

My long-term relationship was not going anywhere, and I was set on leaving after 16 years together. (He constantly promised to marry me.) When we broke up, I was pregnant, so I tried to renew the relationship . . .  This just resulted in abuse and control. The father of the child has isolated me from friends and family; all I have is my child and the Lord our God.

Thank you in advance for answering,

God Bless

WannabeNunAndMother

  { What are the stipulations and expectations of a new mother if they wish to join a convent as a nun? }

Bob replied:

Dear friend,

Thanks for the question.  

Your situation precludes the ability to become a nun because your vocation now is to be a mother.

You can become a third-order Franciscan associate if you wish to fulfill the duties of that type or order, but no religious order is going to accept you in the current circumstance because the primary goals are different, and they just aren't set up for that.  

You could reach out to Catholic charities in your area to see what kind of help may be available to assist with your financial and other corporal needs.

God bless you, and we'll be praying for you.

Peace,

Bob Kirby

Mike replied:

Dear WannabeNunAndMother,

I just wanted to add a bit to what Bob has said.

Seeing I am a Benedictine in heart, I also see no reason why you couldn't be an Oblate, also known as a third-order Benedictine, if you were willing to fulfill your primary duty of being the best Catholic mother as well as any corresponding duties involved in being a third-order Benedictine.

Mike
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