I just got back from visiting a friend who is a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Mary Immaculate in Joliet, IL. They are a WONDERFUL community. I know they are probably differeint from the kind of religious sisters that most people in VS are interested in, but after spending the night at one of their apartments, learning about the history of their order, getting to meet them and learn about the transitions they have gone through... I have a much deeper respect for all forms of consecrated religious life --- even that which is not what comes to mind when most people think of nuns.

They are very devout and holy. So generous and good hearted.

So I just wanted to put that out here for those who are interested in this type of religious life. I am still joining my Salesians (in 11 days! ahh!) but I think that this whole experience widened my view a lot more... and I have a much better understanding of this type of community.

(P.S. I HATE to bring this up, but I am sure that someone will if I do not, but the sisters did not know anything about the liturgical dancers being the way that they were at their vow ceremony about a month ago... and they were roundly horrified at it. So please DO NOT start a discussion on that here, as this is not the place, but I do not want anyone to use at as a reason to give a negative opinion this order without actually knowing them outside of the internet).

Thank you much! I'm really interested in the Franciscan charism and bringing it into teaching (although I feel a call to the Dominican order). Who knows? Maybe one day I'll get to visit these sisters like you did.

Perhaps you will! Their community down in Brazil is getting a LOT of vocations, but in the US not so much because people have a very unfair stereotyped view of nuns like them... I regret ever being judgemental like that. It is important to be discerning, but I used to think that you could tell a lot about a community's fidelity by their outfit... not true (and I have met dozens and dozens of religious communities of all types...)

Thank you for posting this philo! It's good to open our eyes now and then.
You're so wise!!!!
Prayers for you as you enter... in a week and a half!