Comments on: Consecrated Virginity: a beautiful, rare Catholic vocation

By: ER

ER — Wed, 27 May 2009 19:20:51 +0000

To All Who Might be Interested:

There is a very good book written about consecrated virginity:

The Mystery of Love for the Single
By: Fr. Dominic J. Unger OFM Cap.

This is the only document I have found that discusses this vocation in depth.

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:56:00 +0000

Hi Don, Thanks for writing. Yes, I guess I am a bit sensitive about stereotypes and do not wish to apply stereotypes to others. As a writer, I know that it’s helpful to have a “hook” to grab people’s attention. I just wish that when it came to nuns, that “hook” wouldn’t always play into existing, unhelpful stereotypes. Having been misquoted multiple times by reporters, I take quotes with a grain of salt. It was the writer’s choice to highlight that quote, not the subject who made that choice. But, Don, your point is well taken, and it is something that all reporters, including myself as a blogger, have to be careful of too — that we don’t get so caught up in the “hook” that we am unfaithful to the subject. I have read and quoted many reporters who have done a fantastic job with stories that involve nuns. One of my favorites is this one about Astro Nun Sister Damian by Bill Phillips of Texas Country Reporter.

By: Don Flood

Don Flood — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 16:16:04 +0000

It seems odd that you make a point about the reasons/motivations of the writer “intrigue, sensationalism, ignorance, cutsie-ness, etc.” and yet ignore the most obvious reason — the quote from the subject herself: “I mean, do you see this in a convent? It just doesn’t happen, really!”

She was the one who suggested the stereotype — rather strongly, actually. The writer’s story merely reflected this. It’s hardly surprising that the reporter would expect the young woman, who was making a very serious commitment, to be a knowledgeable source on this subject. Why take the writer to task when the young woman herself appears to be ignorant?

You are obviously sensitive about stereotypes as they apply to you; you might want to be more careful about the stereotypes you apply to others. (Those reporters — always trying to sensationalize something!)

An interesting site, though, and I enjoyed coming across it. (And yes, I am a journalist.)

By: Sr Francis Patrick

Sr Francis Patrick — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:20:24 +0000

I work at an Assisted Living facility, and all our Residents were buzzing yesterday when the ‘Miss Sister’ article was in the Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch newspaper. They want to enter myself and the other two Sisters missioned here. I’m not sure what our talents would be – either shampooing rugs, or filling weekly medicine boxes! Do you think there’s a talent category for those? )

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:16:59 +0000

Thanks for writing in, Sister Francis Patrick. I know — I’m getting lots of links too, and a couple threats from friends that they are going to enter me into the contest. No thanks! How cool that you were at this ceremony. I’m glad to know more of the details and what a beautiful event it was.