Cloistered carmelite nuns.
A friend wrote that ABC's 20/20 will be having a special on tonight called "Silent Sisters" about cloistered nuns.
Featured will be the Poor Clares in Roswell, New Mexico (I know that can't help but make you smile) who became very well known because of the literary efforts of their superior Mother Mary Francis P.C.C. who authored books and plays including her most famous work "A Right to Be Merry". You might think a book about contemplative life would be, well boring. But the book in a word is hysterical. I won't ruin it for you. I found there is also a sequel to the book called "Forth and Abroad: Still Merry By Land and Sea". For all the books by Mother Mary Francis you can go here.
Sadly she died just last year in February of 2006. Here is a picture taken of her in 2002.
This is from the vocations page of the Diocese of New Mexico that shows the cutting of the Bridal cake at the Profession of two young sisters.
The show will also show several young women who visit the Abbey of Mount St. Marys to try to discern if they have a vocation. The cloistered convent is located in Wrentham, Massachusetts- just a hop, skip and a jump from here.
Here is what the Sister's website says about the show this evening:
ABC Television Program
20/20 Scheduled to Air
Last spring ABC crews were here to film both women discerning their vocations and our monastic life. Diane Sawyer came later to interview several sisters. Originally the segments were to be part of a larger piece and likely still are. We learned that the scheduled time is May 11 -- ABC's 20/20. The program starts at 9 pm-- a special 2 hour show on faith. It was an act of trust allowing this and we can hope that the program will be positive.
Yes, Let's hope.
5 comments:
You will have to let us know how it is Mary, I don't have television. I wonder if it will be available to pick up on the net? This is one of the FEW times I think, "Gee, I'd like to see that" LOL. I hope it is well done. It certainly was an act of trust to allow the cameras in there. I pray the crew and directors didn't abuse that trust for the sake of ratings!
It always makes me nervous when the secular media tries to understand religious life and then pass it off as "gospel" to the masses. I pray it will go well!
How was the show, Mary, were you able to catch it?
My son asked me if I had seen this interview with Diane Sawyer and he was very impressed. He is a Catholic priest. I missed the episode and would like a copy of this. Can anyone tell me where to obtain it?
Thank you,
There is also a Poor Clare convent in Belleville, Illinois. I've attended mass there many times. There are beautiful grounds kept by the nuns themselves, and they decorate their altar surroundings with their own flowers. You can check out their website at:
http://www.poorclare.org/belleville/ You can see one of the sisters working in the garden.
Post a Comment