She Wants Monasticism
She Wants Monasticism
QUESTION
I want to become a nun and be a bride of Christ. How can I know God’s calling? And what guidance would you give me? Knowing that I am a servant in the church.
ANSWER
As for the guidance I offer you, it is:
1- The first advice is that you visit convents of nuns and get to know the Mother Superior and the nuns. Also, get to know the kind of life there, so that you may realize whether this life suits you or not.
2- Also, reveal to them your longing for monasticism, in order to know whether the convent will accept you or not. And if you are told no, try to know the reason.
3- Likewise, consult your father of confession. And receive guidance from the Mother of the convent.
4- Train yourself in some matters that are suitable for life in the convent, such as memorizing the Psalms and praying them, training in the Tasbeha and its hymns, and in some virtues such as quietness, humility, not becoming angry, and not judging.
5- Make absolutely certain of your ability—by the grace of God—to live a life of virginity and not to long for motherhood.
6- If it is decided that you will enter the convent, it is advisable—if you are employed—to obtain unpaid leave for a year, for example, so that you may retain a way back if you are unable to continue and leave the convent, or if they ask you to leave because of certain mistakes…
As for the calling to monasticism:
It is enough that you feel that the world has completely died in your heart, and that no desire attracts you to it anymore, and that no bond connects you to it, even service in the church or family affections…
And that your father of confession agrees to your monasticism, without pressure from you upon him. Likewise, let the convent agree to accept you… May the Lord be with you. Pray that He may reveal it to you.
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