When were non-virgins first allowed to become nuns?

[kpatters]

I grew up believing all nuns were virgins. I always admired them (still do!). I just learned they are not…don’t even have to be to join their Order. When did this happen, or was it always this way?

Thanks!

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

Widows have always been allowed to become nuns. When a woman or a man makes the final vows of religious life, she or he vows to be celibate from then on.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.