Regina Laudis

[Brownginger]

There is a new story about Delores Hart, who once was a promising actress and who left the fame of Hollywood to become a cloistered nun. Actually, the story is about the need to raise over $2 million to bring the monastery up to code.

foxnews.com/us/2011/12/23/nun-famous-for-kissing-elvis-now-praying-for-miracle/?test=latestnews

I have a couple of questions that have bothered me for a while: How can a cloistered nun leave the monastery for even a short period of time, even to go on Church-related business? Is this monastery different from others?

 

[Aelred_Minor]

There is a new story about Delores Hart, who once was a promising actress and who left the fame of Hollywood to become a cloistered nun. Actually, the story is about the need to raise over $2 million to bring the monastery up to code.

foxnews.com/us/2011/12/23/nun-famous-for-kissing-elvis-now-praying-for-miracle/?test=latestnews

I have a couple of questions that have bothered me for a while: How can a cloistered nun leave the monastery for even a short period of time, even to go on Church-related business? Is this monastery different from others?

I’m not sure any cloistered orders have an absolute prohibition on nuns (or monks) leaving the monastery for monastery-related reasons.

 

[saveusfromhell]

some difference between hollywood and a closered nun big shock for the system.

 

[Dale_M]

How can a cloistered nun leave the monastery for even a short period of time, even to go on Church-related business? Is this monastery different from others?

To some degree it is different from other Benedictine monasteries in that it is monasterium monialium extra Instituta, which seems to indicate it is not part of any of the Benedictine congregations but is directly under the Holy See. However, there are many such monasteries, so it doesn’t make them unique.

The traditional bent of Regina Laudis also sets it apart from other Benedictine monasteries. Its not unique, but it does stand out.

But as for your question, the Rule of St. Benedict does not forbid travel on monastery business. Indeed, Benedictine priests often receive education elsewhere. And sometimes they are tapped to serve as bishops.

But I can see how such travel would conflict with the vow of stability, so I think most Benedictine monasteries prefer to minimize travel involving overnight stays.

 

[Mrs_Sally]

Benedictines can leave for short trips, church business, or to go to the hospital. What the vow of stability assures is that a particular member cannot be sent away once they’ve professed final vows. So if a new congregation is to be started, those going to start it all have the ability to say no and cannot be commanded under obedience. This is my understanding and may not be completely correct.

God bless that house, and I pray their fundraising will be successful and that the renovations will be all they need for some time to come.

 

[Skeptic92]

I have a couple of questions that have bothered me for a while: How can a cloistered nun leave the monastery for even a short period of time, even to go on Church-related business? Is this monastery different from others?

Depending on the form of the office they use, Benedictines have a specific office for the preparation to go on travel from the monastery, and the community prays it together before the Brother/Sister leaves the monastery. Also their absence requires the explicit permission of their superior (the Abbot/Mother Superior), and this permission can be refused for any reason (even just at the discretion of their Superior). If you may give me a few hours (as it is 2 in the morning here, and I am about to head for bed) I shall cite the Rule of the holy father Benedict for you, as this is explicitly said in his Rule and all Benedictine Brothers and Sisters must comply to, and Oblates must live according to (as best as they can in secular life).

 

[unafraid]

Raymond Arroyo interviewed Mother Dolores on one of his broadcasts, and she came off as a very interesting and peaceful personality. I found it interesting that her former fiance, who was devastated by her decision to become a nun, remained loyal to her (unmarried) for his entire life, visiting the convent regularly until his death. I found his devotion very touching.

I pray that somehow the Holy Spirit will help all of these struggling spiritual enclaves, which exist as little lights in an ever darkening world. For me, that they manage to survive at all in a culture that they completely contradict, and one which opposes their ethos and creed with violent fury, is a miracle in and of itself. Their very existence represents a profound example of resistance to the culture of death, and its pervasive onslaught.

There is a line in a poem by T.S. Elliot that I paraphrase, “and in the end we shall return to where we started, and know the place for the first time”. I really believe that these convents and monastaries will become loadstones for the remaining faithful in the darkening days ahead, as they will stand as clear reminders of where we have been…and where we are going.

May God help Mother Dolores, and all like her.

 

[Brownginger]

Thanks, everyone. I am exceedingly touched by the sentiment about such monasteries being a miracle. Each day, I am more and more aware of the state of the world and equally concerned for our future. All of us owe a tremendous debt to the blessed souls who spend their lives in prayer for us and for everyone, especially those most in need of God’s Mercy. If we do find our way to Heaven, much of the credit for that will be due to those locked away from the world but who constantly implore Our Father on its behalf. So much need; so few who are willing to do the task.