A Question About A Nun

[lovesMary]

Now you know more about this sister and what to avoid. You didn’t do anything incorrectly, but next time you see her merely smile as you pass by, and say a silent prayer for her. Other than that, avoid her since she is unpredictable. She sounds a little unstable to me. Above all, don’t take it personally, she’s probably in the habit of taking unsuspecting people to task like this.

 

[Bonnie]

In the U.S., you always exit or enter on the right.

In New York, maybe. Our church has double doors. Going in before Mass, everyone uses both. Going out after Mass, everyone uses both. When we had sisters here, they did the same. One of them was pretty grouchy - old age can do that to all of us! - but she never said a word about the doors or touching.

I think that’s why stores have enter & exit doors - too many Americans pay no attention otherwise!

 

[Beachcomber]

Be nice to her every time you see her. It will drive her crazy.

Absolutely.

It’s interesting, I think, how someone’s reaction can us think we’re in the wrong. I’ve been in that position myself.

Best thing to do is pray for her. She’s most likely not all there.

 

[JRKH]

After Mass today at the TLM oratory, I was leaving the church and held the door open for a lady(she was in street clothes) behind me who was also leaving. She the chastised me for holding the door open for her, saying that “Women don’t hold the door open for other women, only men do that.” She also said “You exit the church through the right door, not the left.” (The church has double doors) I was about speechless by this time and said I was sorry, though I wasn’t sure for what.

I had eight years of Parochial School with Sisters of Notre Dame.
Never hear of a specific door for exiting, or only men hold the door for women. (and we did have some “crochety” nuns - though most were just fine)

She asked if I was married and I answered i was and she said she was Sister So and So and she dropped her hat and as I was reaching to catch it, i accidentally brushed her sleeve and she stepped back almost aghast and said “You never touch a sister!” By this time I was almost in tears and I wished her a nice day and turned around and left.

Well I touched many “sisters” (and got touched by many sisters too - ow boy those rulers hurt)

During Communion (we had no altar servers today) and she was next to me at the Communion rail and when I passed the paten off to her she wouldn’t take ot, as she had a crucifix in her hands that was quite large…so the priest took it from me and put it in front of her.

I don’t know …this is all strange and I feel I have done something wrong to offend her…or am I being completely silly?

Thanks and please feel free to throw the books at me if need be so i won’t make the same mistake next time.

Personally I think you ran into a “Pharasee” - She loves being a “sister”, loves to “lord it over others”, Does things for others to notice etc.
Mostly it is just a power trip for her.
As others have said, just pray for her. You did nothing wrong.

James

 

[Cara_Serrano]

A nun in street clothes has no business lecturing anyone.

Why was she dogging you about accidently touching her? How the heck were you supposed to know she was a “nun?”

She’s behaving worse than a child. Personally, I’d bring up her rude behavior with her one on one, and if she brushes you off, take it up with her Superior. If she freaked out like this on you, she’ll probably do it to another, and it needs to be addressed as it sets a nasty example.

She owes you a sincere apology.

I agree.
If she wants to be treated like a nun, then she should act like one (or at least dress like one).

 

[Bonnie]

BlyssfulDreamer -

My curiosity bump is bothering me. Have you seen this “sister” since the incident?

 

[BlyssfulDreamer]

Hi…I am so grateful for all the responses to this thread.

“Sister” has been at Mass only twice since I posted this because it has been super cold in the morning (7AM) and I think she walks.

Last Friday everything was fine but today after Mass after the priest left we all kneeled. I don’t know how to put this…but there was a strange noise and as we all turned around she was standing holding her missal and making a noise that I can only explain as a loud “hissing” sound. She did that for about 30 seconds and then sat down. I had to leave right after that so the last I knew she was sitting in her pew looking ahead.

I have only been going to this oratory for about 10 months and have made the acquaintance of several of the regulars and have even visited with the 2 priests…but I hesitate to say something because I don’t want anyone to think I am trying to make trouble.

I thought I would wait and see what happens before I would say something. I am hoping somone else who has been there awhile might take the initiative and speak to Father…if need be.

I know this is strange…but honestly…this is what happened. I cannot explain it…something is just very wierd.

I will keep you informed as to what happens as time goes by.

Thanks for your interest and for all the supportive comments. I really do appreciate it.

 

[rayne89]

I honestly doubt this woman is a sister and sounds like she is mentally disturbed. Your original experience with her did make me think she was off balance and this hissing thing seems to confirm it.

 

[lovesMary]

Mentally ill people also are in the Body of Christ. Yes, some of our nuns and priest suffer from mental disorders, just as they also suffer from physical infirmaties. The rain falls on the good and on the wicked. Mental illness is often cause by malfunctioning of neurotransmitting chemicals, or lack of, or over abundance of the chemical binding sites.

These are chronic diseases, just like diabetes, epilepsy, thyroid deficiency, and so forth. They can be managed with lifestyle, diet, and drugs, but not cured. The behaviors aren’t a sign of spiritual weakness, or evil, but of a brain that doesn’t process information correctly.