Okay, where do i begin... this February I went to visit the Sisters of St. John the Baptist. It is a great community and it was the first one i've ever visited in my search for a home. When i was there i felt like i was completely at home and there were images of My Three everywhere. And never before have i felt closer to my Eucharistic Lord that when i was there. Even in the middle of the night when i couldn't sleep i opened my Bible randomly to the book of Samuel where Our Lord was calling him in the night. My Beloved called me to Himself while i was there! It was amazing but...the only problem is, the sisters have become very...liberal. They don't have perpetual Adoration anymore and the Beatiful Habits that the Father Founder, Pater Johannes Haw, designed are gone! The sisters have destroyed a few of thier beatiful baroque style churches and they've replaced them with square rooms with modern art everywhere.
The Mother General asked me if i had any concerns about the order and i told her EVERYTHING. Then she just said i was too young to understand anything. She asked me if i had any request and i asked her if i could wear the habit that the Father Founder designed. She said i was seeking materialistic things and my reply was that i was only seeking my bridal dress and my Cross because i knew that the habit is a penance to wear. She was silent, then she changed the subject. I found out later that it was the Mother General that started a sort of movement to change the habit in the sixties and threatened to leave if it was not done.
So here's my confusion, I love the way the sisters were before, the habit, Adoration, Tradition, but would it be naive of me to think that if I were to enter the order, all of that would come back? Should i enter because i fell in love with the way things were? I need your advice, especially from the Religious here...

Okay, where do i begin... this February I went to visit the Sisters of St. John the Baptist. It is a great community and it was the first one i've ever visited in my search for a home. When i was there i felt like i was completely at home and there were images of My Three everywhere. And never before have i felt closer to my Eucharistic Lord that when i was there. Even in the middle of the night when i couldn't sleep i opened my Bible randomly to the book of Samuel where Our Lord was calling him in the night. My Beloved called me to Himself while i was there! It was amazing but...the only problem is, the sisters have become very...liberal. They don't have perpetual Adoration anymore and the Beatiful Habits that the Father Founder, Pater Johannes Haw, designed are gone! The sisters have destroyed a few of thier beatiful baroque style churches and they've replaced them with square rooms with modern art everywhere.
The Mother General asked me if i had any concerns about the order and i told her EVERYTHING. Then she just said i was too young to understand anything. She asked me if i had any request and i asked her if i could wear the habit that the Father Founder designed. She said i was seeking materialistic things and my reply was that i was only seeking my bridal dress and my Cross because i knew that the habit is a penance to wear. She was silent, then she changed the subject. I found out later that it was the Mother General that started a sort of movement to change the habit in the sixties and threatened to leave if it was not done.
So here's my confusion, I love the way the sisters were before, the habit, Adoration, Tradition, but would it be naive of me to think that if I were to enter the order, all of that would come back? Should i enter because i fell in love with the way things were? I need your advice, especially from the Religious here...

maybe God is calling you to refform the order and bring it back to how it used to be

+

It seems to me that you have answered your own question: You fell in love with what was, not what is. All the things you appreciate about what was in the order IS present in MANY other faithful orders. My personal recommendation is that you explore orders where you would be supported and nurtured, formed in holy will, not told that you are "too young to understand".

Blessings!

Go visit SMME, NOP's, etc! Have a taste of authentic religious life as it is practiced today!

wow!!!! That is very interesting to read and hear the responces of the Mother General. I can understand her comment about the founding habit, it does seem to be that you are also wanting things to go back to the way it was. However that will not change unless every other person in the order agrees to it!!! That is one way things change in a community, everyone has to agree about the idea!

If you have already fallen in love with the community and SIsters, don't worry about the habit. the most important thing is that you will be the one wearing it. That it self is a grace!!! You can't be picky about the habits because it is a symbol, a reminder to you and to all around you of your dedication and sacrifices to Christ!!!!

i would add more but my time is short!!!

God Bless you!!!

KEEP PRAYING!

There are lots of possibilities here. Maybe God wants you there, to help bring about some changes. Maybe He doesn't, but wanted to give you this experience to learn something from. Prayer is the primary way in which you can discern which is His will. Get to Mass as often as possible, Adoration and Confession if you can, and speak to a priest whom you trust and who knows you well.

Be assured of my prayers for you too!

PP

I thought that it would be impossible to change at first, but as i was walking down the hall of the convent i saw a sister in the Traditional habit. My heart dropped and i fell in love! I never saw anything so beautiful in my entire life! But, your right, i should be happy with what i have and stop trying to be like St. Theresa of Avila. If it is the Will of the Most Holy Trinity for things to change, then may He be always praised, and if not, like wise may He be always praised! Ecce Angilla Domine!

You asked for sound advice and Veritas gave it. With the exception of leaving out OLAM as an option I wouldn't have said anything different.

You, you would be being naive if you were to think that you could change things.

Find a good order that will nurture and for you. Don't walk...RUN.

Michael

p.s. - I'm sorry about all this, it must be difficult.


You asked for sound advice and Veritas gave it. With the exception of leaving out OLAM as an option I wouldn't have said anything different.

Yes, you would be being naive if you were to think that you could change things. (and you know this)

Find a good order that will nurture and for you. Don't walk...RUN.

Michael

p.s. - I'm sorry about all this, it must be difficult.

Hi Slave of the Trinity! What a good question! You must follow your heart on this one. Am I correct in assuming that this community is cloistered?

I know exactly where you are coming from, having visited men's communities that have become too liberal. My recommendation is to pray praY!!!!! and to seek advice from trusted sources. If you truly feel deep down that you are called to be a Nun (or in my case a Priest) of the Renewal (reform of the reform) go for it! Our generation must ensure that our Catholic Traditions are restored. However, some of the older generation feel completely different and this is where the difficulty lies! ( Not to sound synical or weird, but we do know that their generation is passing away, which does create openings for us, young people totally devoted to God thru loyalty to the Magisterium. Habits/cassocks/clericals rock and are tried and true down thru the generations. I've never understood the reasoning that some give to discard them!

Well, enough ramblings! Follow ur heart, for one true soul can and will always make a difference. Hopefully, this may help a little! If u'd like more detailed info, send me a pm message!

Ur in my prayers!

Your Brother in Christ,
Shawn

The Baptistines are not cloistered, and in fact do a LOT of good missionary work in many countries. They all still wear a modified habit, and are a much beloved congregation. I'm sorry they don't fit your bill, but they are an important part of the church.

http://baptistines.home.att.net/ Their website

This order isn't the Baptistines. It's called in German ~ Johannesschwestern von Maria Konige or Sisters of St. John from Mary the Queen. It's different. I wish i could explain how incredible the order was from what i've read and seen in thier archives....

[quote name='OLAM Dad' date='May 13 2006, 07:06 PM' post='980546']
You asked for sound advice and Veritas gave it. With the exception of leaving out OLAM as an option I wouldn't have said anything different.

You, you would be being naive if you were to think that you could change things.

Find a good order that will nurture and for you. Don't walk...RUN.

Michael




Your right, i don't intend to change a thing unless Our Lord makes it obvious it's His Will, i just fell in Love with Christ there more than anywhere! I've been to dozens of orders from Mexico to Europe and not one has felt more like home. Am i going insane, falling in love with an order that goes against most of the traditions near to my heart or is God bidding me to go there? When I was there this February, we had benediction and the chants were in German not latin. When i asked why, not one of the sisters could explain. From that day on, we sung Tantum Ergo and O Salutaris Hostia!! While i was walking in the halls i heard two sisters singing latin the next day. I don't think that all hope is lost, but I also am not crazy enough to convince myself that any of that was my doing. Instead it was God working through me. What i said to the Mother Superior, I would have never dreamed of saying in my entire life, but it came out and the wierd thing is, it was my voice but it wasn't my words! How crazy must i sound? I'm sorry... I just was so hopeful that....i don't know never mind.

+

Oh, Hon... This post has really convicted me to reiterate: You MUST take a look at some faithful orders now. If you are in Europe, and need some suggestions, please make a new post asking!

ahh this is a sticky situation. Anyways, i'm sorry that the mother did this to you. I can't believe she told you you were too niave to understand. When she said that you should have asked her to make you understand, ok sorry. Anyways, I'm glad about what you said to the materialistic thing. I don't agree with that mother at all. Apparently they have changed their ways and only God knows if it will go back. Me personally, and keep in mind I don't know all the circumstances, I would look into other orders. If it wasnt going to go back then you would feel like you weren't completeing something, if they didnt' even HAVE adoration I would die. I don't see how you could ever live like that, with a habit you don't feel fit to, and a place without adoration and tradition. Maybe there is another order just like the way this one used to be? I don't know! I hope it all works out though God Bless you!
In Christ,
Lori

They have daily adoration but it is obly for two hours. I forgot to mention that in my conversation with Mother, she asked me what orders were thriving and I told her "The orders that stick to tradition and are following the ideals of their founders are thriving because girls, these days, who are entering the religious life are not looking for a place that has one foot in heaven and one on earth." She really thought about it. Maybe, you guys are right and i should look into other orders...but something is holding me back. Is it God or satan?

You mentioned that one Sister still wears the tradition habit of the community., I have seen that!!! the OSF Sisters in East Peoria are 2 communities combined. A dear friend of mine who lives near me left the OSF not long after her communty was transferred. I met one of her fellow Sisters there when i was on a visit. She still wears the tradition habit as well and not the modified habit.

She i believe was given permission from the Bishop and the Mother Gerneral to continue wearing the older habit because she knew what was best for her. Most communties now a days go to the modified habit to wear the communities who are more traditional wear the full habit. for example the Dominicans and Carmelites and the Poor Clares!!!!

I can see where you are comming from about the habit and falling in love and thats were most of us tend to fall in love even more is with the traditional or full habits. If one see's a modified habit, now to me it seems like a uniform instead of religious garb. thats why i perferr the full habits, they look nicer too!!!! LOL!!!

On regards to the community, since they changed the way the habit was to the one they wear now, they won't be able to make a habit that is more traditional if you were to enter there. Just look around and see what other traditional communities you find and let God show you the way!!!

I wish you the best of luck!!!

God Bless!!!

If they've a website, I'd really like to see it.

Just my 2 cents: enter then lead a reform.

Or: gather everything you can about the Pre-VatII congregation, and lead a reform.

Don't worry that you don't have "practical" experience. The Holy Ghost will either give you infused knowledge, or will lead someone there to help you.

Pray to the founder and the founding members. Tell the founder outright what you're feeling, and ask his prayers and guidance.

Blessings,
Gemma

Thanks for your advice Gemma. The sisters do have a website but it's in German. Its- johannesbund.de

By the way, does anyone know how i can combine the two topics. I accidently made two of the same topic!

well I can't tell you what to do. You should get a Sprititual director. I don't know whats holding you back. Maybe you should stay with them? I would say keep looking into other orders, pray allot, trust in God, and don't leave that one order until your sure it's not for you.

what do you mean they "won't be able to make a habit that is more traditional"?

Your right, I should simply say to My Three Fiat Voluntas Tua! And just let it go to the Trinity. He always knows exactly what to do.

You must hold on to your believe that the Lord will truly lead you where HE wants you. As to entering an order with the intention of making drastic changes to the way things used to be, I believe will only bring you heartache. And more then likely that would not be a popular move and you might be asked to leave as a troublemaker.
You stated this is the first group that you met, well go meet some more!!! There are alot of orders out there, all with different habits, rules, and apostolates. Keep an open mind about the Baptistine sisters and spend more time with them. Maybe if you know what they are really about, an external like a modified habit will not seem so upsetting.
Slow down, have some fun with this and do some serious exploring.
Allicemary

Slave of the Trinity,

I'm sorry to hear that you had such a disappointing conversation. My advice is to look elsewhere. It sounds like they are entrenched in the "liberalism" and it's not a good idea to enter with the presupposition that you'll be able to change it later. If you don't you're stuck...and even if you do, it'll be after you've gone through formation, which is not particularly a great enviornment for you to be growing closer to God if you are upset daily by what goes on around you.
I would also second the advice about getting a SD.
Peace.

This order isn't the same as the Baptistine Sisters. The order I'm talking about is called in German~ Johannesschwestern von Maria Konige or St. John Sisters of Mary the Queen. I have visited dozens of communitied all over from the Trinitarians of Mary to the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Montenegro. I don't know, i gotta take this one step at a time that's for sure and I have to leave everything in the Hands of My Three.

ops my bad, i didn't mean to say more tradition, i think!!! What i meant was that they may not be able to make the traditional habit anymore since they changed their habit to be more modified, comming up with the pattern to make the traditional habit would be impossible since that pattern may have been thrown out!!!


HAVE TO GO TO MASS NOW!!!

GOD BLESS!!!

The habit would be easy to make. I've seen it, I just have to go find the URL.

Blessings,
Gemma

Hi, does this order have a website? The Sisters of St. John the Baptist site that I am familiar with was founded by an Italian priest. They have a habit that is similar to the DSP's, and they seem to be OK.

I'm joining an order that i am intent upon reforming. I cannot be a proper judge of your situation, but i do have reasonable belief that reform is possible.

I know first of all, that i am not responsible for those who are lax in their religious practice. They are intelligent and mature enough to make a decision, and God will hold them to it, they would however be to stubborn to listen to me.

But what is hopeful in my case, that as some are liberal, there are also some who are traditional, and many in between. (perhaps even conservatives that just lost there passion). There is no narrow minded liberals who scorn traditionalists. And many of the recent vocations are of the more traditional or orthodox sort.

I also, am taking a risk with my formation. I believe in my pre-religious formation, God has granted me many things, in my own reading and experiences. So i go, with prayers that i may continue in brave perserverence in formation if it may not always be up to God's standards.

I also am aware that those who are undergoing formation are also of the more traditional sort.

What does concern me though, is i get the impression of a hostility towards tradition. If that is the case, that does put this order into question. Is God giving you the strength to endure persecution. That is a form of cross, and believe me when liberals persecute the orthodox, they are only helping us in our holiness. Just as the pharisees persecuted Jesus, with their insistence on liberal innovations and creativity in divine and religious matters. But is that the kind of cross you are called to? I don't know.

SHALOM

I pray that if it be the Most Holy Trinity's will for me to endure such persecutions than, Ecce Ancilla Domini! The sisters I guess aren't against tradition, but they have become acostumed to the reform that took place at their time. Like i said before, when we started to sing Latin for benediction the sisters started to sing them in the halls and while doing thier work. It was like they were refreshed by the reminded of their noviatiate days when the order was traditional. Maybe, God is calling me to reform this order, I don't know, but what ever My Three desires, i am His handmaid.

My first reaction is that you cannot expect to change things there. The only way you could change things is if God called you to do that and He gave you bunches of miracles!

My second reaction is that you have to do what is your gut feeling. The way you described the Community and why you liked it there -- I have a suspicion that there are several convents that you would also feel at home in with all that you were attracted to there, PLUS the habit, Eucharistic adoration, etc. etc. (in fact, I'm wondering how you could feel at home there without those things???? -- unless of course it's the grace of God calling you there).

Have you visited any other places? I would suggest that you visit some more Communities and see where God pulls your heart after that. You'll be in our Phatmass Prayers!

[mod]duplicate threads merged[/mod]

I really appreciate all of the prayers and advice that you have offered. I really owe you all for you have cleared up a lot of things for me. I have to go with my gut feeling on this and, i really believe that God wants me to go to Germany. I don't know why but I really feel like it may be His will. I know now that whatever He decides will be for His Greater Glory so I'm safe just leaving it in His Hands. Thanks again for all of your advice.

I would continue to look at exactly what it is about the order that attracts you...& look elsewhere...If you are interested in cloistered communities...there is always the Pink Sisters...Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters they are called...But like so many others above me said...pray to the Holy Spirit! You'll be in our prayers as well...

I would tend to recommend that you don't necessarily give up on the order, just feel out other orders. If you still feel the same about that order, then it would appear that God is calling you to it. Remember that you will take a vow of obedience. That is no light thing, if the abbess/Mother Superior/etc. is not committed to orthodoxy.

I know, one day Fr. John Hardon was giving a talk to a group here in Mich. and he was talking about the jesuit vow of obedience to the pope and some woman stood up and asked if they too should make the same vow. It was a harmless question but Fr. Hardon got upset and said immediately, no because a vow is not meant to be taken lightly because it is a promise to God Himself that must be abided even if the pope is bad. So, i know that my vow of obedience is not to be taken lightly at all.

Okay...here are 2 other Trintarian communities...Sisters of the Most Holy Trinity (in Cleveland, Ohio...but they are also in Europe) & The Trinitarians of Mary (near San Diego, California)...These are only suggestions & Orders that I thought you might want to take a look at... I think it is beautiful that you have a such a devotion to the Most Holy Trinity...Oh, there's also the SOLT Sisters...Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity...Peace & prayers! Brandelyn


http://www.srstrinity.com


http://www.trinitariansofmary.com



http://www.solt3.org

I have visited the Trinitarian Sisters of Mary in Mexico and I was accepted by Mother Lilie but things didnt work out for reasons that are yet unknown to me. I got a call from one of the sisters saying that i wasn't accepted, this was two months after i was in mexico. The Trinity didn't want me to enter there i guess. I did learn a lot when i was there, especially in the hours of Adoration. I have also checked out the other communities but... i don't know, i wasn't home there.

That's ok...all we can do is Ask! Seek! Knock! & we shall Find! Maybe you could apply to the Trinitarian Order you are interested in & see if you would be accepted there....My attitude has become, I'll keep looking...as doors open, I'll go through them...if they close...I'm not forcing them open...Peace, chica!

Miles gracia! I thank you for your kind words and I will take them into consideration.