Should religious wear the traditional habit?

[Tiffse]

serendipity:

It makes more sense for [purely contemplative orders] to retain “traditional clothing” since such garments don’t get in the way of working in the dust or in the jungle and need more care to clean than what missions established in more sparse living conditions can handle, with limited water resources and time constraints.

True. I know USA missionaries who lived in the Middle East for 20 years. First of all, it can get very, very hot there and when you’re ministering to people in villages helping to dig an irrigation system, the traditional habit would be a detriment. Plus, as Br. Dan said in a previous post, his traditional habit cost about $125. If you’ve REALLY taken a vow of poverty and live in an underdeveloped country, and say you’re helping to deliver a baby and get blood on your habit, $125 to replace a habit is an awful lot. Not to mention, I doubt if most underdeveloped countries have habit factories. So there would be special ordering and shipping, etc., etc., etc.

 

[Tiffse]

Can anyone tell me the Biblical basis for special clothes for religious? I’m thinking that Jesus didn’t wear anything different than his Jewish brothers, did he? Maybe I’m wrong, but I think when the guards went to Gethsemane to arrest Jesus, they couldn’t even pick him out of a small crowd – Judas had to point Him out to them, right?

 

[cecelia]

Yes. I went to Catholic school in the '60s and was taught by nuns. Their presence in the habits was unmistakable and enduring. In Harlem where I grew up, residents would step aside and become very deferential around the nuns. They exemplified purity and holiness, and their habit was a source of inspiration, encouragement, and hope. Many of us aspired to be nuns because of their witness. The habit serves as a witness, an Incarnational witness. Remember ladies and gentlemen that we are in a spiritual war and that the devil uses our senses, especially our eyes to lead us away from God. Look at the preferred mode of dressing for many women. Where is the modesty? The mass media promotes a way of dressing that is ungodly, albeit highly influential. Where is the counterpoint? The counterpoint has to come from the Catholic Culture. But how can we be a potent counterpoint if we’re not seen? Do not underestimate the power of the habit and its effect on society. A nun in full habit exemplifies purity and holiness. Picture a group of nuns in FULL HABIT walking in our city streets or shopping or going to the mall. What an effect it would have. The nuns would be walking witnesses, walking holiness, catalyst for self-reflection for those who see them. We are in a spritual battle and the habits are armor of the most potent kind. The other side has their armor, their mode of dressing, where’s ours?

 

[AServantofGod]

Tiffse:

Hi Lily:
I thought we were supposed to be humble and ‘quiet’ and unassuming in our works and not single ourselves out for attention for our works? Isn’t wearing habits like standing on the street corner going “look at me”?

You have some very good points, and I once believed as you. However, now that I have daughters we look for nuns to talk to, and a habit is a great way to identify them.

I want my daughters to be exposed to the religious life for women and not just on a visit to a convent which we’ve done. We look for nuns, introduce ourselves, talk to them, and thank them for their service to God and to us.

I have become all too aware that our children, when asked what they will be when they grow up, will select occupations which they are exposed to. We’ve always talked about religious life as a possible life long vocation for Our Lord, but now that they have met some nuns, seen them shopping at Walmart, seen them filling up their gas tank, etc. they have begun to include being a nun as a viable option.

 

[Catholic29]

Tiffse:

Can anyone tell me the Biblical basis for special clothes for religious? I’m thinking that Jesus didn’t wear anything different than his Jewish brothers, did he? Maybe I’m wrong, but I think when the guards went to Gethsemane to arrest Jesus, they couldn’t even pick him out of a small crowd – Judas had to point Him out to them, right?

I will not get into Biblical apologetics to defend wearing of the habit, since there is no mention of wearing of such garments in the New or Old Testaments it would be pointless.

But I will say that the uniform habit has had a very long history in the Catholic Church among consecrated religious(sisters, nuns, brothers, monks etc) and wearing of such in no way contradicts Scripture. In our Catholic tradition it is an outward sign of a nun’s espousal to Jesus Christ with their vows of Poverty Chastity and Obedience, known as the Evangelical councils, not to be confused with Ecumenical councils of course.

The following was written by a cloistered Dominican postulant

As a postulant, my eyes are fixed on that grace-filled day when I will be clothed in the religious habit.

While I was discerning my vocation, I attended several vocation weekends, seminars, and discussion groups designed to help young women find the religious community to which God called them. All of the women I met, both younger and older vocations, desired communities that wear the habit. Each shared the desire of giving oneself completely to Jesus and, thus, “putting on” Christ every day.

What better expression is there of who we are as the Spouses of Christ than the holy habit? The professed sisters in my cloistered contemplative community each wear their habit with great love and reverence for Jesus; it is as much a part of them as their rosary, their veil, and their wedding band. The habit is a reflection of the Vow of Poverty and allows for uncluttered attention to be given to Jesus; there is certainly no spare time in the monastic life to be given to coordinating a daily wardrobe! The habit is also a symbol of withdrawal from the world and detachment from worldly possessions.

In the active orders, the habit acts as a very powerful and necessary witness of God’s presence in today’s world. Speaking from my own experience, it is very reassuring to see religious out and about in our communities proudly wearing the habit. And what an encouragement for young people thinking about a vocation to religious life!

That is why, to me, as to many of my contemporaries entering religious life, the habit signifies something much more than a garment of choice–it is a testimonial to a life consecrated to God.

 

[_Joshua]

Tiffse:

Can anyone tell me the Biblical basis for special clothes for religious? I’m thinking that Jesus didn’t wear anything different than his Jewish brothers, did he? Maybe I’m wrong, but I think when the guards went to Gethsemane to arrest Jesus, they couldn’t even pick him out of a small crowd – Judas had to point Him out to them, right?

Right, although Jesus had not established His Church at that time, and only after His resurection did He give authority to Peter.
“What ever you bind on earth, shall be bound in Heaven” --------I don’t recall Jesus mentioning habits, only bad habits I suppose.

 

[Augustine]

Tiffse:

Can anyone tell me the Biblical basis for special clothes for religious?

The order of the Mass is not in the Bible either, neither how churches should be built. Both came out of the Holy Spirit through His church, who gave them form according to their use in their time, understanding that humans communicate with signs.

 

[Augustine]

Tiffse:

Not to mention, I doubt if most underdeveloped countries have habit factories. So there would be special ordering and shipping, etc., etc., etc.

Au contraire, sewing is much more widespread in poor countries and it would never cost $125. You know, not all habits come from the US, there are a lot more countries on this Earth with a much lower cost of living than Michigan…

 

[lily628]

Tiffse:

I know USA missionaries who lived in the Middle East for 20 years. First of all, it can get very, very hot there and when you’re ministering to people in villages helping to dig an irrigation system, the traditional habit would be a detriment.

Sure it’s possible that in some situations it could be imprudent or dangerous. But you are looking at the exceptions. I am speaking about religious communities in general, most of whom do not face such. I do not believe that the traditional habit should be required by the Vatican across the board for all communities, but I do believe it is the better option in most circumstances.

Tiffse:

Plus, as Br. Dan said in a previous post, his traditional habit cost about $125. If you’ve REALLY taken a vow of poverty and live in an underdeveloped country, and say you’re helping to deliver a baby and get blood on your habit, $125 to replace a habit is an awful lot. Not to mention, I doubt if most underdeveloped countries have habit factories. So there would be special ordering and shipping, etc., etc., etc.

First of all, not all habits have to be that expensive, just because his is. Secondly, I read somewhere that religious usually have only 3 sets of their habit, or sometimes less if the are shared communally. This is what allows for humility and poverty, since they don’t need closets full of clothes and don’t have to worry about what matches with what, or finding new varieties of clothes all the time.

In dirty or dangerous situations you describe (which are the exception in religious life), they could wear a modified habit that is less expensive, wear some kind of apron or cover, or wear street clothes. The point of the habit is not to look fancy, but to give up one’s individual identity to become part of the religious community. Religious life is an earthly sign of the Kingdom of Heaven when the Church will be the Bride of Christ. Religious are that in this life also.

Tiffse:

Can anyone tell me the Biblical basis for special clothes for religious?

Yes. John the Baptist wore clothes made of camel’s hair. That’s extremely significant, especially since he is considered the first monk of the Church. Also in the Old Testament a sign of morning or repentance was to wear sackcloth and ashes for a time of prayer. There isn’t much mention of clothing in general in the Bible, at least not that I can think of.

God bless everyone! I am so excited to see the interest in this discussion.

 

[jrabs]

serendipity:

I think habitsshould be requiored for everyone, but don’t believe it is prudent to insistance that every one in every location across the world wear a “traditional habit.” In some places such dress is a financial and occupational liability.

I think the habits should also be worn.

I disagree that the habit can be an occupational laibility. The Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta ( founded by Bl. Mother Teresa) wear their habits and they are among the poorest of the poor and have poor work conditions to boot.

Someone cited an example of a nun digging a ditch. I don’t really see how a habit can impair that activity - but instead see a beautiful testimony to God’s work if I were to see a nun in habit out there with common poor folk digging.

 

[lily628]

For anyone interested in learning more about the female religious habit and its history throughout the life of the Church (along with the history of religious life in general), I highly recommend this book:

Kuhns, Elizabeth. The Habit : A History of the Clothing of Catholic Nuns.

It is a fascinating read! I did not want to put it down, but due to schoolwork, I can only do so much leisure reading. I am still in the process of reading it.

From the other thread,

Augustine:

Why do religious wear a habit? Because it’s what paupers wore way back when. They just didn’t keep up with fashion.

That’s not entirely true. Although some religious adopted the clothing of the poor, others wore distinctive clothing or even penitential clothes (eg. hair shirts underneath) as part of their habit. In the early Church it was just beginning, and with persecutions and all, it was not nearly as organized as religious communities are today. Many of the early religious lived more like consecrated virgins or hermits would today.

In the first few centuries, the Roman empire regulated what status of people could wear what type of clothing. Taking on the clothes of the poor or a distinctive appearance as religious was a huge sacrifice of not only appearance but also status in social circles. It was not just the clothes of the poor, and religious orders have a long history of wearing distinctive garb.

(All of this and much more can be found in Kuhns’ book!)

God bless,
Lily628

 

[legeorge]

lily628:

Note: this discussion is being continued from the thread Are there any Religious “Callings” Here?

I will share that I voted “Yes”, I believe religious should wear the habit. I am considering the sisterhood, and whenever I see a sister in the traditional habit, I see this as an opportunity to connect with her and learn about her community. Without the habit, I would have no way of knowing this about strangers.

Also, as a potential future sister, I would love for someone to recognize me as such, and come speak to me for that reason, to ask me for prayer, or ask about my faith, or about Christ, or tell me about how they remember when nuns taught them in school… whatever be the case–this type of encounter with a stranger or parishoner would be such a joy to me, and I expect to the other person also.

Additionally, I believe that part of the reason for the decrease in religious vocations is that children (or anyone) can no longer see and immediately recognize religious who do not wear the habit. To many it may seem to be a foreign concept since we have an entire adult generation that had little exposure to this.

I believe that wearing the traditional religious habit would take great courage and humility in our culture, since it is a very obvious statement about one’s faith. I see it as a way to better live out that saying from St. Francis, “Preach the gospel always, if necessary use words”.

Furthermore, clothes are a means of self-expression, as they always have been. When a woman joins a religious order, she is humbly giving up that right and taking on the identity of her community. She gives up her self and becomes united with Christ, taking on garments of humility. Wearing their uniform habits allows nuns to better live out their vows of poverty, since they don’t need closets full of clothes.

God bless,
Lily628

:clapping: Lily, You have a beautiful way of looking at things. This is wonderful. I especially love the way you introduce courage as one of your points. I have always preferred seeing nuns in a habit (no matter what kind) and now I know better why! Maybe you do have a calling!!

 

[lily628]

I want to thank everyone for the wonderful contributions here – I am overjoyed!

Cecelia, I loved your explanation of images or signs and how Catholic religious can provide a picture of modesty that opposes the ugliness of lust in our culture.

Catholic29, what a lovely story from that Domincan. Could you post a link if you found it on the Internet?

AServantofGod:

I want my daughters to be exposed to the religious life for women and not just on a visit to a convent which we’ve done. We look for nuns, introduce ourselves, talk to them, and thank them for their service to God and to us… they have begun to include being a nun as a viable option.

How wonderful! If I become a religious sister, you are the type of parent that I would be thrilled to meet. May God richly bless you for your faithfulness in teaching your daughters these things!! I will be wearing the traditional habit, so you can spot me.

Ok, so I get a little giddy when speaking about religious life.

 

[legeorge]

Tiffse:

True. I know USA missionaries who lived in the Middle East for 20 years. First of all, it can get very, very hot there and when you’re ministering to people in villages helping to dig an irrigation system, the traditional habit would be a detriment. Plus, as Br. Dan said in a previous post, his traditional habit cost about $125. If you’ve REALLY taken a vow of poverty and live in an underdeveloped country, and say you’re helping to deliver a baby and get blood on your habit, $125 to replace a habit is an awful lot. Not to mention, I doubt if most underdeveloped countries have habit factories. So there would be special ordering and shipping, etc., etc., etc.

I wonder what Mother Theresa (now St. Theresa of Calcutta) would think about your reasoning. She worked with the poorest of the poor and always managed to look neat and beautiful in her white and blue habit. Extremely poor, dirty conditions, hot country, beautiful nuns in habits! People know where to turn for help when they see a Sister of Charity in her habit. I would hardly accuse them of trying to stand out for attention. Besides, isn’t there also a Bible verse that says not to hide your lamp under a bushel basket?

 

[Catholic29]

lily628:

I want to thank everyone for the wonderful contributions here – I am overjoyed!

Cecelia, I loved your explanation of images or signs and how Catholic religious can provide a picture of modesty that opposes the ugliness of lust in our culture.

Catholic29, what a lovely story from that Domincan. Could you post a link if you found it on the Internet?

How wonderful! If I become a religious sister, you are the type of parent that I would be thrilled to meet. May God richly bless you for your faithfulness in teaching your daughters these things!! I will be wearing the traditional habit, so you can spot me.

Ok, so I get a little giddy when speaking about religious life.

Sure Lily, by all means, here is a link to the story cloisters.tripod.com/id19.html

And another link to a thread that I started on which image best represents religious life forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=37894

If you become a religious sister, I will be sure to look out for you too, and may God bless…

 

[AServantofGod]

lily628:

I want to thank everyone for the wonderful contributions here – I am overjoyed!

Cecelia, I loved your explanation of images or signs and how Catholic religious can provide a picture of modesty that opposes the ugliness of lust in our culture.

Catholic29, what a lovely story from that Domincan. Could you post a link if you found it on the Internet?

How wonderful! If I become a religious sister, you are the type of parent that I would be thrilled to meet. May God richly bless you for your faithfulness in teaching your daughters these things!! I will be wearing the traditional habit, so you can spot me.

Ok, so I get a little giddy when speaking about religious life.

We’ll be looking for you. Good luck and God bless you!

 

[lily628]

Thanks for the link - the SOLC is a great site, I’ve seen it before. What a beautiful story.

Catholic29:

And another link to a thread that I started on which image best represents religious life forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=37894

Thanks for the info. I posted on that thread already with a bunch of pics of the Sisters of Life. Perhaps you forgot my name? Well I won’t hold it against you

 

[Exporter]

I don’t have to go to a webpage to find my responce.

I say yes they should wear their appropriate apparel.

It fosters respect from all who see him/her. It makes the Priest or Nun act as they should.

Why do some football teams wear a shirt and tie when on roadtrips? They say you act as you dress. It’s true.

 

[Augustine]

lily628:

In dirty or dangerous situations you describe (which are the exception in religious life), they could wear a modified habit that is less expensive, wear some kind of apron or cover, or wear street clothes.

IMO, even then, they should wear a distinctive piece of clothing, such as a headcover, a rosary around the waste or a hard collar.

Religious people and ordained men are not ordinary people. That should be quite clear to them and to those around them.

 

[Br.Dan_OCD]

I would like to say something more about habits and cost.

First, a habit is generally made by members of the community. So, there is no need to go to a store of some kind or a special tailor to have it made. Also, as someone said earlier, materials are cheaper in other countries so the $100 that my habit costs is not what it would cost in other countries. The Missionaries of Charity, I’m sure, never spend that much since their habit is basically a couple of white sheets with blue stripes.

Carmelite habits are a bit more elaborate, for various reasons. For instance, the origin of the scapular is that it was an apron which protected the tunic. So, instead of having to replace the whole habit, one would only replace the scapular. Now, however, the scapular has devotional value so if I am doing dishes or something my first thought is to protect my scapular so I put on an(other) apron. I know many of the OCD Nuns, too, wear their aprons when doing yard work, etc.

I don’t know about other habits but the material ours is made of is quite durable and, since it is brown, it is very hard to stain. We tend to have a habit which is more like a “work habit” and another for Mass and prayer, etc. That also helps with lessening the need for replacement habits.

Finally, I don’t know this for sure but it’s my hunch that most communities could *easily * receive donated material for habits… Anyway, my main point is that the financial concerns which were raised are important but are not difficult to overcome.