Difference between revisions of "Nun"
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[[Image:nuns.jpg|right|250px|thumb|A group of nuns.]] | [[Image:nuns.jpg|right|250px|thumb|A group of nuns.]] | ||
| − | A '''nun''' is a celibate [[Catholic]] woman who | + | A '''nun''' is a celibate [[Catholic]] woman who lives her life, under formal vows, in service to [[God]]. Nuns usually work and live inside a [[convent]] and are part of a religious [[order]]. A nun will often wear a [[habit]], a special covering for the [[head]] and body. It is usually black and white, sometimes brown or blue (depending upon the particular religious order), and signifies that one serves God. |
| − | Each order has | + | Each order has its special [[mission]]. Some nuns work as [[teacher]]s in Catholic schools or as [[nurse]]s in [[hospital]]s. All nuns must take a [[vow of poverty]], and any money they earn goes towards supporting their convent or order. |
| − | A woman who is a [[widow]] | + | A woman who is a [[widow]] and not a virgin may become a nun, but a divorcee may not, unless approved by the [[Vatican]]. In Catholicism, women are not allowed to become [[priest]]s, but becoming a nun is considered a fulfilling and rewarding choice. Women interested in becoming nuns are encouraged to try living in a convent for a time so they might decide whether they would really like to serve God in that capacity. |
| − | A beginner nun is called a novice and is required to take vows of [[vow of chastity|chastity]] and poverty. Leaving the sisterhood after taking vows is frowned upon, much like [[divorce]]. | + | A beginner nun is called a novice and is required to take vows of [[vow of chastity|chastity]] and poverty. Leaving the sisterhood after taking vows is frowned upon, much like [[divorce]], but has become common in the United States since the reforms of [[Vatican II]]. |
===Episcopal Nuns=== | ===Episcopal Nuns=== | ||
| − | The [[Episcopal]] | + | The [[Episcopal]] and [[Anglican]] Churches also have women religious who are known as "[http://www.stmaryseast.org/nuns_episcopal.htm nuns"]. They take vows of poverty and chastity as their Catholic counterparts do. |
===Buddhist Nun=== | ===Buddhist Nun=== | ||
| − | [[Buddhist]] nuns are required to shave their [[head]]. | + | [[Buddhist]] nuns are required to shave their [[head]]s. |
==Famous Nuns== | ==Famous Nuns== | ||
Revision as of 22:19, December 29, 2010
A nun is a celibate Catholic woman who lives her life, under formal vows, in service to God. Nuns usually work and live inside a convent and are part of a religious order. A nun will often wear a habit, a special covering for the head and body. It is usually black and white, sometimes brown or blue (depending upon the particular religious order), and signifies that one serves God.
Each order has its special mission. Some nuns work as teachers in Catholic schools or as nurses in hospitals. All nuns must take a vow of poverty, and any money they earn goes towards supporting their convent or order.
A woman who is a widow and not a virgin may become a nun, but a divorcee may not, unless approved by the Vatican. In Catholicism, women are not allowed to become priests, but becoming a nun is considered a fulfilling and rewarding choice. Women interested in becoming nuns are encouraged to try living in a convent for a time so they might decide whether they would really like to serve God in that capacity.
A beginner nun is called a novice and is required to take vows of chastity and poverty. Leaving the sisterhood after taking vows is frowned upon, much like divorce, but has become common in the United States since the reforms of Vatican II.
Episcopal Nuns
The Episcopal and Anglican Churches also have women religious who are known as "nuns". They take vows of poverty and chastity as their Catholic counterparts do.
Buddhist Nun
Buddhist nuns are required to shave their heads.