Commitment to Faith and Community
Less than 1% of nuns in the are under 30, with a steady but low annual entry of 100-200 young women into religious life, marking a significant commitment to a life devoid of many modern comforts.
The Franciscan , T.O.R. of Penance of the Sorrowful Mother, and other orders emphasize a lifestyle of poverty, simplicity, and community service, attracting individuals like Zoey Stapleton, who seek joy and freedom through their faith.
Overcoming Financial and Social Barriers
Student loan debt poses a significant obstacle for many young women discerning a religious vocation, with efforts like the Labouré Society providing crucial support for debt relief.
The process to become a nun is lengthy and rigorous, averaging 7 to 10 years, involving stages from postulant to making final vows, with societal challenges like the pandemic adding further complexity to vocation discernment.