What happens if a nun falls in love? Nuns are part of a religious order and pledge their lives to three vows – poverty, chastity and obedience. Due to these vows they lead an isolated lifestyle where physical intimacy is prohibited.
However, there may be instances in which a nun falls in love and breaks her vows. What then?
The Catholic Church Does Not Recognize Or Condone Relationships Between Nuns And Laypeople
Nuns are women who choose a life of prayer and chastity. Dedicating themselves to God and the church by providing aid for those in need, nuns often live in communities and are highly educated. In order to become nuns, women must take several vows pertaining to chastity, poverty and obedience – any violation will require leaving religious duties and community life behind.
The Catholic church does not condone or recognize relationships between nuns and laypeople. A nun should focus on her relationship with Jesus Christ without being distracted by any outside relationships – thus making it difficult for a nun to find love; however, some nuns have broken their vows and found true happiness.
Also read: How Kissing Can Be an Intense Feeling: 4 Highlights to True Love Kiss.
Sister Mary Elizabeth lived a peaceful existence at a convent in Preston, Lancashire. After joining Carmelite Roman Catholic religious order during her late teen years and living a chaste life for over 24 years – one day accidentally brushing Robert’s sleeve caused enough shockwaves that she decided to abandon the order for good.
As the Catholic church faces sexual abuse scandals and unyielding positions on issues like same-sex marriage, more nuns may leave their orders in search of happiness elsewhere. Before doing so, though, it’s crucial for nuns to carefully consider all potential consequences associated with breaking their vows and breaking her faith vows.
A Nun Lifestyle
The Catholic Church imposes very stringent rules regarding nuns and their relationships. Nuns must take a vow of poverty, chastity and obedience that forbids any sexual or romantic relations; all worldly possessions must also be given up and they live a simple lifestyle; these nuns often work with those living in poor or needy communities – for instance Mother Teresa spent her life aiding Indian residents.
Even with all these regulations in place, some nuns have been known to break them occasionally. A well-known example involves two nuns who fell in love and decided to marry each other against church rules – an action which represents a clear violation.
Though some stories about nuns falling in love may be exaggerated, others are true. One such instance involved a 24-year celibate nun who found herself deeply attracted to Robert, an Italian monk with whom she immediately hit it off and decided they’d spend their lives together.
Nuns often live within communities of like-minded women who support and encourage one another. Since there are limited opportunities for interaction with the outside world, nuns rarely leave their monastery except when medical needs require it or when needed by their community.
A Nun In Love With A Man Can Be Subject To Disciplinary Actions By The Church
Nuns have an indelible connection with their faith, spending much time reading spiritual texts and engaging in meditation practices. Many also work outside their communities as nurses or in other fields; but if a nun begins romantically involved with someone outside her community, the Church could take disciplinary measures against her; their Church mandate requires nuns to lead lives that avoid sexual intimacy altogether.
The Catholic Church views nuns as special people and is extremely strict about their vows of chastity, obedience and poverty. If a nun violates her vows she could be dismissed from her community or needing to leave their monastery – although this might appear harsh it might actually serve her well by leaving without feeling guilt or shame for having broken them.
One such broken vow was seen when a Carmelite nun fell in love with a priest but refused sexual relations out of respect for her vow of chastity; otherwise he threatened her excommunication from their community.
Nuns are forbidden from having relationships with laypeople due to Church regulations that encourage them to focus solely on their spiritual journey without worrying about others’ issues. However, this doesn’t preclude nuns from making close relationships outside their order; some nuns enjoy strong ties to friends and family even though they cannot meet regularly.
A Nun In Love With A Layperson Can Be Subject To Ex-communication
Becoming a nun is a life-altering decision, which many don’t make lightly. It means sacrificing much of what is familiar for a life of prayer, poverty and celibacy – it requires significant dedication from individuals willing to make this commitment. Unfortunately it may not be for everyone – only those willing to make such sacrifices are capable of becoming nuns.
If a nun falls in love with an outsider, she could face excommunication – this means they would need to leave their community and may lose the right to be considered nun. Though harsh, this measure is necessary so that their vows are upheld and nuns remain faithful in serving God.
Sister Lisa Tinkler, a Carmelite nun who fell in love with a monk, had no choice but to break her vows and leave her monastery when the relationship became serious. This decision caused immense inner turmoil; at times even suicidal thoughts crossed her mind.
To become a nun, one must be baptized with holy water, have no dependent children and be single. Additionally, they must live according to Catholic church guidelines and demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of their faith while free from debt or legal issues. Nuns wear habit which easily distinguishes them in public. Many nuns choose pursuing college degrees to help with day-to-day duties; many also specialize in fields that benefit their communities like medicine, law, accounting or business management.
