nuns

[Kendy]

Quick question: Why are some nuns called “sister” but others are called “mother?”

Thanks,
Kendy

 

[Libero]

Quick question: Why are some nuns called “sister” but others are called “mother?”

It is to do with authority, the “sister” nuns are just the “bog standard” nun, where as the “mother” nuns are more important, they may be in charge of a large convent (mother superior) or have accomplished great deeds or something like that.

Hope my rather blunt description is understandable.

 

[mercygate]

Kendy:

Quick question: Why are some nuns called “sister” but others are called “mother?”

Thanks,
Kendy

The title “Mother” is usually reserved for the head of the communty. Nowadays, a lot of “Mothers” prefer to be called “Sister.”

The RSCJ (Religieuse du Sacre’ Coeur de Jesus), aka "Madames of the Sacred Heart, all used to be called “Mother” if not Madame, but now they’re all “Sister Smith,” “Sister Mclaughlin”.

This is more a matter of culture and etiquette than a religious issue.

 

[Kendy]

What about “brothers” are they like sisters?

Kendy

 

[mercygate]

Kendy:

What about “brothers” are they like sisters?

Kendy

Yes. Generally, a “brother” is a Religious (capital “R” who is not a Priest).

 

[Kendy]

mercygate:

Yes. Generally, a “brother” is a Religious (capital “R” who is not a Priest).

What is the difference between a brother and a priest? Is a mother like a father?

Thanks,
Kendy

P.S. I realize after the fact that I had posted on Moral Theology, which I didn’t mean to do. Sorry .

 

[steveandersen]

Kendy:

What is the difference between a brother and a priest? Is a mother like a father?

Thanks,
Kendy

P.S. I realize after the fact that I had posted on Moral Theology, which I didn’t mean to do. Sorry .

Brothers aren’t “priests lite” or priests in training
Monks might be a term that you are familiar with
They take religious vows similar to that of nuns but do not receive ordination like a priest.

The Christian Brothers taught in my high school (good group of men) as kids we would always ask them “But why didn’t you just become a priest?” as if they had “settled” for something less

We were stupid then…luckily they were patient. Downright christian even

PS yes the wine label is named after them but they don’t own it any more

 

[Lazerlike42]

steveandersen:

Brothers aren’t “priests lite” or priests in training
Monks might be a term that you are familiar with
They take religious vows similar to that of nuns but do not receive ordination like a priest.

The Christian Brothers taught in my high school (good group of men) as kids we would always ask them “But why didn’t you just become a priest?” as if they had “settled” for something less

We were stupid then…luckily they were patient. Downright christian even

PS yes the wine label is named after them but they don’t own it any more

Some brothers are priests in training, but not all. Persons may join a religious community to become brothers for life, or they may join to become priests. If they are to become priests, they often take on the title of brothers until their ordination.

 

[puzzleannie]

consecrated religous (people who enter religious orders but are not ordained as priests or deacons) are called “sister” or “brother” because they live in community as a family. An order of nuns is headed by a mother superior, who is usually called “Mother”, as in Mother Teresa, the head of her order, but may be called Madame as in a French order, or othe customary title. An Abbess is the head of an abbey, or community of cloistered nuns (they stay inside the convent to live and work rather than working out in the world). She may also be called Mother.

Brothers are male religious who live in a community and usually work in the world (such as teaching, medical care etc.). Monks are religous who usually live and work in a cloistered (closed) community called a monastery, like Benedictines. some are priests, some are not. Only priests are called “Father” but the Abbot, or head of a monastery, may also be called Father. St. Francis of Assisi was a deacon, not a priest, but his fellow friars called him Father Francis when he was their leader. Friars are member of religious orders who work in the world. Examples are Franciscans or Augustinians, named for their founders.

 

[Kendy]

steveandersen:

Brothers aren’t “priests lite” or priests in training
Monks might be a term that you are familiar with
They take religious vows similar to that of nuns but do not receive ordination like a priest.

The Christian Brothers taught in my high school (good group of men) as kids we would always ask them “But why didn’t you just become a priest?” as if they had “settled” for something less

We were stupid then…luckily they were patient. Downright christian even

PS yes the wine label is named after them but they don’t own it any more

So what do they do generally?

Kendy

 

[Kendy]

Thanks.

 

[mhensley]

The difference between a “nun” and a “sister” is:

A nun is a woman religious who has taken solemn vows within a religious order such as the Dominicans.

A sister is a woman religious who has taken simple vows and is a member of a religious congregation.

Either person is called “Sister” when addressed.

The Catholic Encyclopedia has an interesting explanation of the difference between solemn and simple vows which I realize is not the question that was originally asked here.