Active/contemplative Or Cloistered How Do You Know Which Is For You?

[lmsb1231]

hello! i was with a missionary active order discerning my vocation for almost one year... and now i will be entering a cloistered order (next year). one thing that helped me discern between active and contemplative was finding out which sufferings God has given me more grace to endure for Love's sake and souls- the sufferings of active life/missionary life was a bit too stressful for me and i felt like it was "too much"- beyond the graces He was giving to me, despite my prayers asking for the graces i needed to live that life. but the sufferings particularly applicable to a cloistered nun are ones that i think God has given me more grace to endure.

also- there is the peace factor- if it's God's will, there will always be peace. and also, God will guide you through everything that happens in your life- a sermon, an inspiration during Holy Hour, Bible verse, something a person says, doors being open or shut- He'll lead you exactly where you need to be. =] ---- "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want... [b][i]He leads me [/i][/b]down paths of righteousness for His Name's sake" (Ps 23)

Edited August 28, 2012 by lmsb1231

[Mary's Child]

Emma yes what you are describing is exactly me. My weekly Holy Hour usuallu lasts for at least 2 hours. I pray the rosary, divine mercy chaplet, and morning and evening prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, as well as reading spiritual books and the bible, and I go to daily mass at every opportunity but it still isnt enough. I love retreats etc they fill me with joy but they always seem way to short.

[Joan Marie Wandel]

I feel as though God id calling me to be a Missionary, but I know not everyone is called to this type of life. When I was in Haiti I felt so comfortable in that life style.

[inperpetuity]

[quote name='VeniJesuAmorMi' timestamp='1345501328' post='2470846']
About needing to talk to someone about problems your experiencing, I can tell you by experience as I was in a cloistered community, that even though you have Reverend Mother and the Novice Mistress to talk with and help you they are not there to "replace" Our Lord. Its something to be very careful of, especially for detachment and spiritual growth. They will expect that even though you may go to them, and they are there for you for everything, that you will also have the spiritual maturity and detachment to be able to bear them in silence and go to Our Lord for your help in those situations.[/quote]

Although it is true that the novice mistress and prioress are not there to "replace" Our Lord, I found that my problem in the cloister the first time around was the fact that I thought I was more spiritually mature than I actually was, and so I rarely went to anyone with my struggles. This resulted in some misunderstandings, misconceptions, associations, etc. Part of that looking back was my pride and the devil had a field day with it too I might add. It's important to be very open and humble once you get there and not worry too much what your superiors might think of you, but let them guide you. If your not mature enough, they'll either help you or decide it would be better for you to leave, or you'll leave on your own.

As far as how do you know whether your called to the cloister, active or non-cloistered contemplative life, well, there have been many good things said here already. In my experience even though I did consider two active communities, I always ended up being drawn back to the cloistered communities, and now I simply could not see myself in an active community.

[emmaberry]

[quote name='inperpetuity' timestamp='1346212522' post='2475601']
Although it is true that the novice mistress and prioress are not there to "replace" Our Lord, I found that my problem in the cloister the first time around was the fact that I thought I was more spiritually mature than I actually was, and so I rarely went to anyone with my struggles. This resulted in some misunderstandings, misconceptions, associations, etc. Part of that looking back was my pride and the devil had a field day with it too I might add. It's important to be very open and humble once you get there and not worry too much what your superiors might think of you, but let them guide you. If your not mature enough, they'll either help you or decide it would be better for you to leave, or you'll leave on your own.

As far as how do you know whether your called to the cloister, active or non-cloistered contemplative life, well, there have been many good things said here already. In my experience even though I did consider two active communities, I always ended up being drawn back to the cloistered communities, and now I simply could not see myself in an active community.
[/quote]

Edit: I really like what you said about NM/Prioress. I often assume that I don't need help with certain problems, and that could be a tragedy in the cloister!

If you feel comfortable sharing more about your experiences in the cloister, please pm me. If not, no worries! I deal with pride as well, and would like to know what you would change about your time there, so that I can know what mistakes to avoid for myself. Thank you.

Edited August 29, 2012 by emmaberry

[PhuturePriest]

This is definitely late, but please, do not feel guilty for wanting to talk with the Lord rather than a friend. At times I feel tortured that I cannot go to Eucharistic adoration at all or even pray in a Church since mine is always locked. I wish I could go down to Eucharistic adoration and pray for hours each day, and every time I can't do all of my praying for the day I feel terrible. These are good things you have, and they are indeed a sign that you are called to contemplative life. I would personally recommend Carmelite Nuns since Carmelites are my favorite contemplative Order.

[PhuturePriest]

Is it me or does this thread make you really excited for the documentary "No Greater Love?"

[emmaberry]

[quote name='FuturePriest387' timestamp='1346218066' post='2475640']
I would personally recommend Carmelite Nuns since Carmelites are my favorite contemplative Order.
[/quote]

Are you sure you didn't take a subtle hint from her avatar?

[PhuturePriest]

[quote name='emmaberry' timestamp='1346218845' post='2475645']
Are you sure you didn't take a subtle hint from her avatar?
[/quote]

I honestly couldn't name out that Saint if I recited every Saint I know.

[Mary's Child]

[quote name='FuturePriest387' timestamp='1346218066' post='2475640']
This is definitely late, but please, do not feel guilty for wanting to talk with the Lord rather than a friend. At times I feel tortured that I cannot go to Eucharistic adoration at all or even pray in a Church since mine is always locked. I wish I could go down to Eucharistic adoration and pray for hours each day, and every time I can't do all of my praying for the day I feel terrible. These are good things you have, and they are indeed a sign that you are called to contemplative life. I would personally recommend Carmelite Nuns since Carmelites are my favorite contemplative Order.
[/quote]
I to love the Carmelites and I feel very strongly drawn to them right now Im seriously considering not even bothering to visit any non Carmelite communities. And yes I am excited to see No Greater Love when does it come out?
[quote name='emmaberry' timestamp='1346218845' post='2475645']
Are you sure you didn't take a subtle hint from her avatar?
[/quote]
LOL I know right?

[quote name='FuturePriest387' timestamp='1346218986' post='2475649']
I honestly couldn't name out that Saint if I recited every Saint I know.
[/quote]
My avatar is St Teresa of Avila.

[emmaberry]

[quote name='Mary's Child' timestamp='1346776144' post='2478280']
And yes I am excited to see No Greater Love when does it come out?[/quote]

I know your question was not directed toward me, but I own NGL, so I think it's been out for a while.

[Mary's Child]

[quote name='emmaberry' timestamp='1346788099' post='2478369']
I know your question was not directed toward me, but I own NGL, so I think it's been out for a while.
[/quote]
Oh is it good? Should I buy it?

[emmaberry]

[quote name='Mary's Child' timestamp='1346854673' post='2478723']
Oh is it good? Should I buy it?
[/quote]

I really enjoyed it! Of course, when I bought it I thought I had a Carmelite vocation, so it was that much more intriguing. Regardless, I would still recommend it, especially since PM's own Faith Cecilia is there now.