Comments on: More Blogs by Nuns

By: Sr Eleanor

Sr Eleanor — Sat, 03 May 2008 05:33:49 +0000

Hi Samantha,
“Contemplative” and “cloistered” are not exactly the same thing, though they are sometimes used in an overlapping way to describe certain religious orders.
“Cloistered” comes from the Latin word for an “enclosed place”, and so refers principally to the physical location of a community. The “cloister” or “enclosure” is the reserved place to which the nuns or monks go apart in order to live their life of prayer and dedication to God.
“Contemplative”, on the other hand, refers firstly to a kind of prayer – contemplative prayer or contemplation – and also to a lifestyle which fosters such prayer. All Christians are called to practice contemplative prayer, but some people live in a way particularly conducive to its cultivation. Religious orders with such a lifestyle and who do not engage in active ministries are often referred to as “contemplative orders.”
“Monastic” is another related word. It comes from monos, meaning “alone” or “solitary”. “Monks” or “monastics” are those who go apart (even if they do so in groups, together), to be alone (with God).
God bless, Sr Eleanor

By: Cathy Keller

Cathy Keller — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 11:27:04 +0000

A Prayer for Guidance is also one of my favorite prayers, often given as a gift to others. This was a wonderful insight into these sisters and their “home life.” Thank you!

By: Samantha

Samantha — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 22:38:15 +0000

Does contemplative mean cloistered, Sister?

By: Ann

Ann — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 15:11:02 +0000

Well I’m glad to see that there are at least some Irish nuns who are moving away from the more than justified reputation bulit up by the entire nation of being a bit backward in coming forward – when it comes to blogging that is!
The Poor Care nuns in Ennis, Co. Clare have a website but as far as I know no blog as such.
If I find any I’ll let you know and meanwhile I’ll go have a look at these mentioned ones – it’s a great way of promoting vocations.