What's the most beautiful habit you've ever seen?

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For me… it is the habit worn by the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration!!! 😃
 
For me it is the one I wear! From what does your question arise? Why is beauty a question when it comes to habit? It was never meant to be a fashion statement.

I think more to the point-is the habit simple, easily cleaned, modest? I wore what is now called the “traditional” habit. The church asked us to update it because it was the clothing worn centuries ago. It began as the dress of the widows dedicated to the church. It would be like you wearing the same clothing as your great, great, great grandmother.

We spent an entire day in the laundry cleaning our habits, doing the starching, etc. Now nuns can use that precious time ministering to those in need, doing the work of the Lord.

Sometimes the habit does draw young women to religious life. However, the habit will never keep you faithful to your vows or even do the hard work of making a saint out of you. If you enter religious life it should be because your have fallen deeply in love with Jesus and want to live a gospel life, giving your all each and every day.

I would love to hear more about your reasons for asking about the beauty of a habit.
Sister Judith Ann
 
Having been the first to answer the original question on this thread, I’ll explain from my own perspective what I see as a beautiful habit, and why.

Rest assured, I think it’d be plain weird to choose an Order based solely on the habit - as you say, Sister Judith, it doesn’t change someone inside. However, they are beautiful to a discerner because they serve as the reflection of the ideals that Sisters and Brothers choose to live for. The symbolism of the colours is an example: white for purity, black for death to self, brown to show love of poverty… and also the degree of austerity: the Carmelite veil is designed so that it doesn’t flow elegantly down the back, while other Orders with different missions have more elaborate coifs. There is a lot of beauty in what they mean. (Of course, you’ll know this better than I do, but I wanted to show that we also know that aesthetic appeal isn’t the raison d’etre for a habit.)

They often have practical as well as symbolic beauty, and that does come up in the discussion when talking about “most beautiful habit.” (Holds hand up and confesses: it did when I was making my post. 😊) On the other hand, that kind of beauty is still abstracted from actual vocation: the habit of the Sisters of Life is one that appeals greatly to my aesthetic sense, but I can’t picture myself as one of them because I know that their mission would be beyond my emotional resources. Similarly, despite my curiosity about the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy habit, I’ll never find out what it’s like to wear it unless I first become certain that I have a vocation to spread devotion to the Divine Mercy… and then the habit will be a reflection of who I am and want to be, not a means of satisfying said curiosity.

When responding to the original question, I interpreted it both in the abstract sense of liking the way that habits look, and also a deeper desire to learn what other people would see as beauty, and why. For that reason, I thought that it was a nice question.
 
Spiritu said:
Having been the first to answer the original question on this thread, I’ll explain from my own perspective what I see as a beautiful habit, and why.

Rest assured, I think it’d be plain weird to choose an Order based solely on the habit - as you say, Sister Judith, it doesn’t change someone inside. However, they are beautiful to a discerner because they serve as the reflection of the ideals that Sisters and Brothers choose to live for. The symbolism of the colours is an example: white for purity, black for death to self, brown to show love of poverty… and also the degree of austerity: the Carmelite veil is designed so that it doesn’t flow elegantly down the back, while other Orders with different missions have more elaborate coifs. There is a lot of beauty in what they mean. (Of course, you’ll know this better than I do, but I wanted to show that we also know that aesthetic appeal isn’t the raison d’etre for a habit.)

They often have practical as well as symbolic beauty, and that does come up in the discussion when talking about “most beautiful habit.” (Holds hand up and confesses: it did when I was making my post. 😊) On the other hand, that kind of beauty is still abstracted from actual vocation: the habit of the Sisters of Life is one that appeals greatly to my aesthetic sense, but I can’t picture myself as one of them because I know that their mission would be beyond my emotional resources. Similarly, despite my curiosity about the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy habit, I’ll never find out what it’s like to wear it unless I first become certain that I have a vocation to spread devotion to the Divine Mercy… and then the habit will be a reflection of who I am and want to be, not a means of satisfying said curiosity.

When responding to the original question, I interpreted it both in the abstract sense of liking the way that habits look, and also a deeper desire to learn what other people would see as beauty, and why. For that reason, I thought that it was a nice question.
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:thumbsup: Couldn't have said it any better
 
Sometimes there’s a tendency to focus on the habits. I admire Rosalind Moss. She chose a traditional habit for a reason but she didn’t focused on it. She focused on her service to God. I know some focused on the habits.

I posted that I like the Intercessors’ habits. Many people don’t like the appearance. They say it is very ugly. For me it’s a very meaningful habit. Teal is the color because it is 50% blue and 50% green. Blue is the color of the sky and green is the color of the ground. Intercessors try to bridge the gap between man and God.

What I love about the FI’s and OCD’s habits is they signify poverty.👍👍👍
 
Spiritu said:
Having been the first to answer the original question on this thread, I’ll explain from my own perspective what I see as a beautiful habit, and why.

Rest assured, I think it’d be plain weird to choose an Order based solely on the habit - as you say, Sister Judith, it doesn’t change someone inside. However, they are beautiful to a discerner because they serve as the reflection of the ideals that Sisters and Brothers choose to live for. The symbolism of the colours is an example: white for purity, black for death to self, brown to show love of poverty… and also the degree of austerity: the Carmelite veil is designed so that it doesn’t flow elegantly down the back, while other Orders with different missions have more elaborate coifs. There is a lot of beauty in what they mean. (Of course, you’ll know this better than I do, but I wanted to show that we also know that aesthetic appeal isn’t the raison d’etre for a habit.)

They often have practical as well as symbolic beauty, and that does come up in the discussion when talking about “most beautiful habit.” (Holds hand up and confesses: it did when I was making my post. 😊) On the other hand, that kind of beauty is still abstracted from actual vocation: the habit of the Sisters of Life is one that appeals greatly to my aesthetic sense, but I can’t picture myself as one of them because I know that their mission would be beyond my emotional resources. Similarly, despite my curiosity about the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy habit, I’ll never find out what it’s like to wear it unless I first become certain that I have a vocation to spread devotion to the Divine Mercy… and then the habit will be a reflection of who I am and want to be, not a means of satisfying said curiosity.

When responding to the original question, I interpreted it both in the abstract sense of liking the way that habits look, and also a deeper desire to learn what other people would see as beauty, and why. For that reason, I thought that it was a nice question.
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Thankyou Spiritu- I could never have explained it better either. Sr Judith Ann, please refer to Spiritu’s response for my own. I apologise for any misunderstandings:blush:
 
I cast my vote for The Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Church.
Thir story is one of courage and devotion.

http://http://www.sistersofmarymotherofthechurch.org/9,gallery
 
My favorite habit is the one the Discalced Carmelite nuns wear. very plain. My patron saint, (St. Therese) wore it. Hopefully one day, I will also wear one, if it be God’s will.

I also like the Singing Nuns striking dark blue. They are a group of Traditional nuns who I believe used to travel a lot and sing. Someone may know more about them than I do.
 
I am glad that you explained what you meant. I read the question incorrectly. Perhaps because I have worn that is called the “traditional” habit and know how expensive it was, I have a certain filter. We wore 5 years of wool serge year round. Anyone who knows fabric knows that wool is always more expensive. If cotton today runs in the $7 to $10 range I can imagine what the wool serge would cost today. It was not the clothing of the poor!

In reading the responses I even found orders/communities that I didn’t know existed!

When we began this new monastery, the four of us came from four different monasteries so we had to decide what we would wear. Each of our communities were slightly different in habit and veil so it was something we had to decide early on if we wanted to have the same habit.

Even though we were all from the same “tradition” we had to discuss most everything to find that way that we would express the charism in this new place. What worked on the East Coast where our monasteries were well established (some over 100 years old) did not necessarily translate seamlessly to Montana. So we did what St Clare did 800 years ago and what Mother Magdelen Bentivoglio did when she brought the Poor Clare life to the United States 150+ years ago. We went to the Gospel, the Rule of St. Clare and the international Constitutions.

I hope that this explains a bit about where I came from on the question.
Sr Judith Ann
 
Sr_Judith_Ann said:
I am glad that you explained what you meant. I read the question incorrectly. Perhaps because I have worn that is called the “traditional” habit and know how expensive it was, I have a certain filter. We wore 5 years of wool serge year round. Anyone who knows fabric knows that wool is always more expensive. If cotton today runs in the $7 to $10 range I can imagine what the wool serge would cost today. It was not the clothing of the poor!

In reading the responses I even found orders/communities that I didn’t know existed!

When we began this new monastery, the four of us came from four different monasteries so we had to decide what we would wear. Each of our communities were slightly different in habit and veil so it was something we had to decide early on if we wanted to have the same habit.

Even though we were all from the same “tradition” we had to discuss most everything to find that way that we would express the charism in this new place. What worked on the East Coast where our monasteries were well established (some over 100 years old) did not necessarily translate seamlessly to Montana. So we did what St Clare did 800 years ago and what Mother Magdelen Bentivoglio did when she brought the Poor Clare life to the United States 150+ years ago. We went to the Gospel, the Rule of St. Clare and the international Constitutions.

I hope that this explains a bit about where I came from on the question.
Sr Judith Ann
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Sister, I hope I will not seem impertinent when I ask these questions, but the matter does concern me. First of all, I may not understand what you meant by “the same tradition”. Does this mean that you are all from monasteries run by the Poor Clares? If so, why would each have different habits and practices?

Finally, why have you all left these monasteries (if the answer is not too personal) to form yet another, different “rule” of your own making? That is, was this your individual decisions, or were you each charged by your superiors in the east to establish this new convent?

The reason I ask is that I knew a Sister (of another order) who, along with a few others, left her order to establish their own house. In time, the few were scattered throughout the country to work alone. I once asked her why she did not simply join another order (to which she replied, “well, it’s too late now to discuss that.”) She ended her very dedicated and admirable life where she had lived and worked for the last thirty years - in a local parish. However, she was the only Sister of her order in residence there.

I couldn’t help wondering just how such “separated Sisters”, i.e. those who go out into the “field” to work alone, can fulfill their vow of obedience to their superior. Of course, I realize that since you are four in number, you will undoubtedly have no problem with that issue. Yet I also wonder why some Sisters break away from established communities in order to establish their own like this (unless commissioned to do so, that is) and if this does not have a splintering effect on the Church. I know that “plurality” is a popular term in the Church these days, but I can’t help wondering if, in the cases of separated religious, this is always the wisest course of action.

Please do not take offense as none is intended. I am simply trying to understand. Thank you, Sister, and God bless your devotion and work!
 
I would have to say that the original (old )habit of the Daughters of Mary and Joseph was beautiful…but then again, I was taught by them, so I’m a little “prejudiced” lol.

I don’t know how to post pictures here, but their habit was the traditional black floor length dress, with a royal blue scapular on which was embroidered the Ave Maria “crest” of the order. They also had a royal blue belt and sash which went to the floor. Large rosary on one side. A square white “bib” and a beautiful squared black head piece/veil lined in white. The blue on the black with the white accents around the face was striking.

I have no idea what material it was comprised of, and I’m sure it was uncomfortable to wear in hot weather, but they all looked radiant in their habits. They also wore a royal blue cape type of thing over their shoulders for special occassions.

They were excellent teachers, and loving dedicated women.
You can see a few photos of their habit here: dmjca.org

Sadly, their numbers started dwindling after Vatican ll like so many other orders.

It’s a shame the habits have been abandoned by so many of our orders of sisters.
Amazing how the traditional habit wearing communities are getting the new vocations…
 
I am glad that you explained what you meant. I read the question incorrectly. Perhaps because I have worn that is called the “traditional” habit and know how expensive it was, I have a certain filter. We wore 5 years of wool serge year round. Anyone who knows fabric knows that wool is always more expensive. If cotton today runs in the $7 to $10 range I can imagine what the wool serge would cost today. It was not the clothing of the poor!
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More than one person (including me) have remarked that the garb of holy poverty can get rather expensive!

Here is the Orthodox monastic attire:

kurskroot.com/monastic_clothing.html

3saints.com/schema.html
 
All of them.

The habit is a sacramental which brings grace not only to the wearer, but to the seer as well. (The latter concept has been taught in novitiates). Who doesn’t breathe a sigh of relief when they see one? If the religious is Godly, minds are raised to God, and they feel as if God cares.

The habit is the physical expression of the community’s charism.

The habit is Jesus and Mary’s own raiment, for they wore the basic tau tunic themselves.

Blessings,
Cloisters
 
For me, it would have to be the Discalced Carmelite nun’s habit of St. Therese! I prefer the older habit as opposed to the newer, shorter version, but just to be clothed in the Carmelite habit would be a blessing.



I mean, seriously…have you ever seen anything so beautiful before? 😉

Runners-up would be:

The Sisters of Life

http://www.csvfblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/sisters2.jpg

The Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal

http://franciscansisterscfr.com/images/CFR_Sisters.jpg

or the Dominican habit for women:

http://www.sistersofmary.org/media/2Phoenix2007.jpg
 
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