Shivering Sister

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Cecilia2017

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A lovely new Sister has recently moved from Nigeria to be based in our Northern English city.
She’s now encountering her first winter and is constantly cold and layered up with scarves, coats and sweaters over her habit.
She had never heard of ‘thermals’ until today so here’s my question…does anyone know if there is any reason she would not be permitted to wear a long sleeved thermal t-shirt under her habit if I treated her to a couple of suitably coloured, plain ones? I just want her to feel warm!
 
God bless you for your concern for Sister’s well-being.

Thermals are essentially underwear. I imagine that she is allowed to wear undergarments…? 🤔 But if you want to be sure she’s allowed to wear thermals before investing in them, I suggest you ask her superior.
 
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In Scandinavia they say “There is no bad weather, just bad clothing.” Get the Sister properly outfitted for the weather!

Also make sure she is eating sufficient high-energy foods (carbs and fats) so her body can generate heat. If she is accustomed to fasting, that could be part of the problem.
 
You have a generous spirit. Before buying anything you might talk with the mother superior. She not only can approve your request, but may have specific suggestions for what would be most useful.
 
I think the challenge may be that she’s back in Nigeria! I’ll ask one of the other sisters instead.
 
Just an aside from a wife whose husband has to work in subzero temperatures. Don’t buy 100% cotton thermals! Buy something with polyester/wool/spandex. My husband really likes the Indera brand, and I noticed for women, you can get them fleece lined! (Theirs is cotton on the outside and a blend on the inside.) I agree, though, speak to the superior. I don’t think she’ll say, “No,” to the idea, but may be able to help you.
 
God Bless you for you concern and charity

Some sisters do wear them ,but since they take the vow’s of poverty ,and the common rule that is each religious has their own rules and regulations ,because of them, the rules don’t allow them to wear ,but in some special cases the Mother Superior can allow them to wear, if they have some allergies,like asthma,bronchitis and other breathing or repositories problems ,then they may consider case to case ,especial in cold conditions in such countries.
 
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Yes, asking is best and perhaps sending a picture of what you are thinking of buying to check it can be laundered with all their usual practices. That’s my problem I too struggle with the cold but much thermal underwear can’t be laundered in a laundromat as it needs delicate washing so I cant use it. I empathise with the sister as I too am from Africa and struggle with the British winter. I am not in the North thankfully though but I have never acclimatised and never feel warm.
 
Yes, please do ask the superior what kind of thermals can be bought. The order/congregation is to supply her needs, and I’d think it a little embarrassing that she wasn’t provided for. The Indian sisters here wear the same kind of coat, but they have different (conservative) colors of mufflers which they put over the back of the veil to cover their ears, and tie at the throat (hope that makes sense). I’ve also seen identical sweaters. They’ve always been provided for by their congregation.

Blessings,
Mrs Cloisters OP
Lay Dominican
http://cloisters.tripod.com/
http://cloisters.tripod.com/charity/
http://cloisters.tripod.com/holyangels/id9.html/
 
To be fair she has got a coat, woolies and really thick tights but thermals would be less restrictive. It seems a bit silly she’s wearing a coat indoors!
 
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