Catholic Nun + Tri athlete + Habitless

[Malleus_01]

Sister Madonna Buder pulled on some old tennis shoes and began jogging. She was 48. Now, at 74, she holds two age-group records for Ironman Hawaii (13:19 hours) and three age-group records for Ironman Canada (13:16). A Catholic nun of the order Sisters for a Christian Community in Spokane, Washington

Malleus: Any comments? She certainly doesnt compete in Habit. And doesnt the Habit signify a rejection of the World?

Is this “Sister” rejecting the world or embracing it? Her dress is appalling in this endeavor.

AND BTW dont talk about Charity to me either - Free masons give to Charity too.

Any Comments?

 

[JKirkLVNV]

Sister Madonna Buder pulled on some old tennis shoes and began jogging. She was 48. Now, at 74, she holds two age-group records for Ironman Hawaii (13:19 hours) and three age-group records for Ironman Canada (13:16). A Catholic nun of the order Sisters for a Christian Community in Spokane, Washington

Malleus: Any comments? She certainly doesnt compete in Habit. And doesnt the Habit signify a rejection of the World?

Is this “Sister” rejecting the world or embracing it? Her dress is appalling in this endeavor.

AND BTW dont talk about Charity to me either - Free masons give to Charity too.

Any Comments?

Does her order call for a habit? Not all the founders of religious orders called for a habit in their constitutions (I was not aware of this until recently, Brother JReducation pointed this out in another thread).

I’m not sure nuns should be doing this sort of thing. Certainly, the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and should be cared for as such, via nutrition and exercise, but I think our society is currently caught up far too much in body image, competition, etc.

 

[Jennifer_J]

I see nothing wrong with it. It’s not like a triathlon is a walk in the park. It’s physically demanding, exausting, and would be a great time to offer suffering up in union with Jesus. I think for her, it’s a form of prayer. Personally, mine is singing and music. Hers is physical. Why is that wrong, if that’s her talent?

Here’s the Sister in her own words (because you failed to post a link to any info or story):
deliciouslivingmag.com/mag/dl_article_1711/

More info:
deseretnews.com/article/600116393/Triathlon-nun-has-a-unique-mission.html

 

[Malleus_01]

Does her order call for a habit? Not all the founders of religious orders called for a habit in their constitutions (I was not aware of this until recently, Brother JReducation pointed this out in another thread).

I’m not sure nuns should be doing this sort of thing. Certainly, the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and should be cared for as such, via nutrition and exercise, but I think our society is currently caught up far too much in body image, competition, etc.

Malleus: From the Council of Trent:

The Council of Trent
The Twenty-Fifth Session
The canons and decrees of the sacred
and oecumenical Council of Trent,

Begun on the third, and terminated on the fourth, day of December, MDLXIII., being the ninth and last under the Sovereign Pontiff, Pius IV.

ON REGULARS AND NUNS
The same sacred and holy Synod, prosecuting the subject of reformation, has thought fit that the things following be ordained.

[Page 237]

CHAPTER I.
All ReguIars shall order their lives in accordance with what is prescribed by the rule which they have professed; Superiors shall sedulously provide that this be done.
Forasmuch as the holy Synod is not ignorant how much splendour and utility accrue to the Church of God, from monasteries piously instituted and rightly administered; It has,–to the end that the ancient and regular discipline may be the more easily and promptly restored, where it has fallen away, and may be the more firmly maintained, where it has been preserved,–thought it necessary to enjoin, as by this decree It doth enjoin, that all Regulars, as well men, as women, shall order and regulate their lives in accordance with the requirements of the rule which they have professed; and above all that they shall faithfully observe whatsoever belongs to the perfection of their profession, such as the vows of obedience, poverty, and chastity, as also all other vows and precepts that may be peculiar to any rule or order, respectively appertaining to the essential character of each, and which regard the observance of a common mode of living, food, and dress. And all care and diligence shall be used by the Superiors, both in the general and in the provincial Chapters, and in their visitations, which they shall not omit to make in their proper seasons, that these things be not departed from; it being certain, that those things which belong to the substance of a regular life cannot be by them relaxed. For if those things which are the basis and the foundation of all regular discipline be not strictly preserved, the whole edifice must needs fall.

 

[twopekinguys]

I see nothing wrong with it. It’s not like a triathlon is a walk in the park. It’s physically demanding, exausting, and would be a great time to offer suffering up in union with Jesus. I think for her, it’s a form of prayer. Personally, mine is singing and music. Hers is physical. Why is that wrong, if that’s her talent?

Here’s the Sister in her own words (because you failed to post a link to any info or story):
deliciouslivingmag.com/mag/dl_article_1711/

More info:
deseretnews.com/article/600116393/Triathlon-nun-has-a-unique-mission.html

Thanks for the links.

I think what she is doing is fine. In fact, I think it is rather inspiratioinal.

I wish her the best.

 

[puzzleannie]

Malleus: Any comments? She certainly doesnt compete in Habit. And doesnt the Habit signify a rejection of the World?

Is this “Sister” rejecting the world or embracing it? Her s?

no comments at all. what she wears is up to her order and religious superiors, not me. How she maintains her health and her hobbies are up to her order and superiors, not me. I assume you mean she is wearing ordinary athletic clothes for an athletic pursuit, which are generally not appalling except to someone with a problem. If her order does not require a habit it signifies they have approval for their mode of dress from somebody with authority to give it. No concern of mine. no concern of this forum either, try vocations

 

[JKirkLVNV]

CHAPTER I.
All ReguIars shall order their lives in accordance with what is prescribed by the rule which they have professed; Superiors shall sedulously provide that this be done.
Forasmuch as the holy Synod is not ignorant how much splendour and utility accrue to the Church of God, from monasteries piously instituted and rightly administered; It has,–to the end that the ancient and regular discipline may be the more easily and promptly restored, where it has fallen away, and may be the more firmly maintained, where it has been preserved,–thought it necessary to enjoin, as by this decree It doth enjoin, that all Regulars, as well men, as women, shall order and regulate their lives in accordance with the requirements of the rule which they have professed; and above all that they shall faithfully observe whatsoever belongs to the perfection of their profession, such as the vows of obedience, poverty, and chastity, as also all other vows and precepts that may be peculiar to any rule or order, respectively appertaining to the essential character of each, and which regard the observance of a common mode of living, food, and dress. And all care and diligence shall be used by the Superiors, both in the general and in the provincial Chapters, and in their visitations, which they shall not omit to make in their proper seasons, that these things be not departed from; it being certain, that those things which belong to the substance of a regular life cannot be by them relaxed. For if those things which are the basis and the foundation of all regular discipline be not strictly preserved, the whole edifice must needs fall.

A) This touches on matters of discipline. The disciplines of the Church are not the same as Her immutable truths. Thus, orders CAN change their habits (and their common mode of living, as well as what they eat). That still doesn’t answer the question of

B) Does her order call for a habit? Not all the founders of religious orders called for a habit in their constitutions.

On the topic of habits, I quite agree that vowed religious (nuns, sisters, monks, friars, etc.) SHOULD wear a habit of some kind. I’d even go so far as to say that for nuns, that should include a veil of some kind. I do think, however, that it should be practical to their work AND their environment, ie, the Missionaries of Charity wear saris in tropical countries, but should they wear the same in northern climes? I have a great deal of respect for Mother Angelica, for example, but I think the old habit she wore (it looked like a beige nurses uniform with a short veil) was much more practical for the heat of the southern United States. I REALLY feel sorry for those nuns she sent to southern Arizona. The Mojave Desert is no place for Medieval dress and layers of cloth. They’d be no less orthodox if they adopted a modified habit. These days, any modest, sober dress would set a woman apart from the world.

 

[Susan_Calvin]

I googled Sister Buder and she has her own wikipedia article which in part states: “As a nun with the Sisters for Christian Community, Sister Madonna has the freedom to choose her own ministry and lifestyle.” So apparently its part of her community’s constitution… she is permitted to do what she wishes. And from what I understand the Sisters for Christian Community is a very new congregation, only founded in the 1970s, so they have never worn a habit.

On a personal note, while I prefer more traditional sisters such as the Dominican Sisters of Mary (Ann Arbor), I was taught by wonderful Ursuline Sisters who did not wear habits, and they were a large reason for my conversion to Catholicism. As others have said, some orders don’t have habits and never were meant to… the Ursulines are one of those communities that started out with no habits. Either way, I don’t judge. I think what Sister Madonna is doing is awesome, especially at the age of 79 (80 this year)!

 

[Mrs_Sally]

Pretty much my thoughts as well. I did look at the two brief stories posted and saw nothing wrong with her theology as expressed in the articles. She even has her bishop’s permission. So nothing to see here…

no comments at all. what she wears is up to her order and religious superiors, not me. How she maintains her health and her hobbies are up to her order and superiors, not me. I assume you mean she is wearing ordinary athletic clothes for an athletic pursuit, which are generally not appalling except to someone with a problem. If her order does not require a habit it signifies they have approval for their mode of dress from somebody with authority to give it. No concern of mine. no concern of this forum either, try vocations

 

[kimmielittle]

Malleus: Any comments? She certainly doesnt compete in Habit.

I would hope not. Just as I hope no nun tries to swim in a habit. Especially, if she’s trying to save me from drowning..

Is this “Sister” rejecting the world or embracing it?

That seems, to me, a question for her and God - not for us.

Her dress is appalling in this endeavor.

Her dress is suited FOR her endeavor. If you have a problem with her endeavor - that IMHO would be a personal problem.

Personally, as a girl, and as Catholic - She is an inspiration.
She clearly gives up her agony of training / running in prayer. Are we not called to give of our talents?

AND BTW dont talk about Charity to me either - Free masons give to Charity too.

I wouldn’t think to do so…you seem to clearly understand the concept of charity

 

[nsper7]

Sister Madonna Buder pulled on some old tennis shoes and began jogging. She was 48. Now, at 74, she holds two age-group records for Ironman Hawaii (13:19 hours) and three age-group records for Ironman Canada (13:16). A Catholic nun of the order Sisters for a Christian Community in Spokane, Washington

Malleus: Any comments? She certainly doesnt compete in Habit. And doesnt the Habit signify a rejection of the World?

Is this “Sister” rejecting the world or embracing it? Her dress is appalling in this endeavor.

AND BTW dont talk about Charity to me either - Free masons give to Charity too.

Any Comments?

Is her Superior and her Order okay with it? If so, then there is nothing wrong.

 

[cctabb]

no comments at all. what she wears is up to her order and religious superiors, not me. How she maintains her health and her hobbies are up to her order and superiors, not me. I assume you mean she is wearing ordinary athletic clothes for an athletic pursuit, which are generally not appalling except to someone with a problem. If her order does not require a habit it signifies they have approval for their mode of dress from somebody with authority to give it. No concern of mine. no concern of this forum either, try vocations

[SIGN]What she said[/SIGN]

 

[DebChris]

The first college I attended was run by Benedict monks. One of the things emphasized at the school was the humanity of the monks. Each is a unique individual with his own gifts, talents, and interests as well as foibles. When I first arrived at the school I saw a monk who looked like Abraham Lincoln riding a bicycle. Naturally the subject he taught was American History with an emphasis on the Civil War. Another monk taught theater and it wasn’t unusual to see him playing piano or sniffing a bit of snuff.

The former pastor of my small stateside parish became a priest at the age of 60, after he was widowed and a grandparent. While he wore his collar most of the time, he did change into shorts for his daily run.

There is much debate on other threads about whether or not religious should or should not wear a habit. A habit sets them apart from the rest of us and acts as a sign of their vocation. On the other hand, not wearing a habit gives access to areas where they evangelize that they would not otherwise go.
I think I remember reading about this nun a few years back. Her running has actually provided a vehicle for evangelization that she might not otherwise have. In order to compete successfully, she needs to eat right and otherwise take care of her body which is the temple of the Lord. Running has been described as moving meditation. It can be a time of prayer. Exercise has proven a powerful antidote to depression, or as Dianna Nyad stated it, “Exercise to exorcise the demons in your life.”
Those of us who are not in a religious vocation wear clothes that fit the work or role we are in at the moment. Should we really expect anything different from those who have dedicated their lives to the Church?

 

[ThomasEugene]

habitless doesn’t necessarily mean liberal. though most liberals are habitless nuns, but that doesn’t mean other habitless nuns are liberal. The Daughters of Charity were founded to be without religious habits.

Unfortunately, I think we got problems with Sisters for Christian Community. I cannot completely understand their structure, etc… You be the judge.

catholic.com/thisrock/1998/9802drag.asp
time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,942531-1,00.html

 

[DebChris]

habitless doesn’t necessarily mean liberal. though most liberals are habitless nuns, but that doesn’t mean other habitless nuns are liberal. The Daughters of Charity were founded to be without religious habits.

Unfortunately, I think we got problems with Sisters for Christian Community. I cannot completely understand their structure, etc… You be the judge.

catholic.com/thisrock/1998/9802drag.asp
time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,942531-1,00.html

Perusing the articles we find Sisters of the Christian Community to be a pseudo order without ecclesiastical approval. It is not in alignment with the Catholic Church.

 

[thistle]

Sister Madonna Buder pulled on some old tennis shoes and began jogging. She was 48. Now, at 74, she holds two age-group records for Ironman Hawaii (13:19 hours) and three age-group records for Ironman Canada (13:16). A Catholic nun of the order Sisters for a Christian Community in Spokane, Washington

Malleus: Any comments? She certainly doesnt compete in Habit. And doesnt the Habit signify a rejection of the World?

Is this “Sister” rejecting the world or embracing it? Her dress is appalling in this endeavor.

AND BTW dont talk about Charity to me either - Free masons give to Charity too.

**Any Comments?/**QUOTE]

Yes! You are being very rude and uncharitable. What is your problem??

 

[Jennifer_J]

Clearly this particular order has some problems…that doesn’t preclude a Sister from running in marathons.

 

[twopekinguys]

Perusing the articles we find Sisters of the Christian Community to be a pseudo order without ecclesiastical approval. It is not in alignment with the Catholic Church.

They are listed on the Diocesan website, wouldn’t that mean they are in alignment? I’m not sure.

dioceseofspokane.org/vocations_women_religious.php

In fact ,this particular sister is listed as the contact person.

 

[puzzleannie]

Perusing the articles we find Sisters of the Christian Community to be a pseudo order without ecclesiastical approval. It is not in alignment with the Catholic Church.

IF they are not Catholic, it is of no concern to anyone here how they dress or how they spend their spare time.

If they are Catholic, then their superiors make the rules with ecclesial approval, and as long as she follows their rules, still no concern of anyone here.

 

[DebChris]

They are listed on the Diocesan website, wouldn’t that mean they are in alignment? I’m not sure.

dioceseofspokane.org/vocations_women_religious.php

In fact ,this particular sister is listed as the contact person.

IF they are not Catholic, it is of no concern to anyone here how they dress or how they spend their spare time.

If they are Catholic, then their superiors make the rules with ecclesial approval, and as long as she follows their rules, still no concern of anyone here.

I had to go back to each of the links previously listed in this thread.
The first two links are about the sister herself and give her order as the Sisters for a Christian Community.
My statement was based on the 2 links found in post #14 which talks of dissident orders and includes the Sisters for a Christian Community and the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters.
What I want to avoid is anything that leads to gossip, or provides scandal to what may be a legitimate order.
In the first articles we find a nun who is acting with the approval of her bishop. Her activity can very well be a vehicle for evangelization.

St. Francis established an order with far fewer rules and much less structure than that of St. Benedict. How loose the rules, and whether or not the nuns wear or do not wear habits is not an indication of their legitimacy.
If the activities of the order are in fact contrary to Catholic teaching, if we accept the Times article about the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters, then we cannot say that they are a religious order in the true sense of the word.

There was a time when women, nuns and lay persons alike, were limited in the activities and professions they pursued. Pre-Vatican II nuns are generally depicted in the role of teacher or nurse. We no longer see nuns wearing Dutch hats as in The Flying Nun.
We do see doctors, canonical lawyers, administrators, and counselors who are also members of religious communities.

I agree with Puzzleannie=Not our concern.

Side note: Vatican II documents on religious life address issues of concern such as how and when the LOTH should be prayed. Pope Benedict XVI has already initiated an investigation of religious communities in the US. Let’s leave this issue where it belongs.