Info Or Previous Thread - Benedictine Daughters Of Divine Will?

[HisAlone]

:w00t: I super hope there are hopes for you with this order. BTW, do you know if they have an age limit?

 

Thank you Organwerke!  I had run across the BDDW before, but it was because I saw them listed on MaterMisericoriae's new website for older vocations that I decided to look at them a little more closely.  I didn't see any age information on the BDDW website so I decided to "go for it."

 

     (thanks MM)  http://belatedvocations.weebly.com/

 

I did, however, write a formal letter of inquiry explaining a little about myself and my spiritual journey.  I also asked their permission to become a correspondent to their community.  I didn't put my age in the letter, but they would be able to tell from the content that I am not the usual young inquirer.  Hopefully this way they can get to know me without too much focus on age.

 

(This is my opinion, but I think the worst thing to say is, "Do you accept older vocations?"  It's just too easy to say "no" to that question)

 

So...we'll see.  I'll keep you posted.
 

[Josefa]

Chasmi,

 

Where did Sr. Maureen Christine of The Divine Mercy  come from ?

 

Has she had an accident ?

 

How many Sisters  are  there  now   I  was  wondering .

 

Thanks !

[Chiara Francesco]

Thank you Organwerke!  I had run across the BDDW before, but it was because I saw them listed on MaterMisericoriae's new website for older vocations that I decided to look at them a little more closely.  I didn't see any age information on the BDDW website so I decided to "go for it."

 

     (thanks MM)  http://belatedvocations.weebly.com/

 

I did, however, write a formal letter of inquiry explaining a little about myself and my spiritual journey.  I also asked their permission to become a correspondent to their community.  I didn't put my age in the letter, but they would be able to tell from the content that I am not the usual young inquirer.  Hopefully this way they can get to know me without too much focus on age.

 

(This is my opinion, but I think the worst thing to say is, "Do you accept older vocations?"  It's just too easy to say "no" to that question)

 

So...we'll see.  I'll keep you posted.
 

 

 I know someone who wrote this order about a year ago and they ARE opened to older vocations - this person I know is around 51 or so.  I myself am an older vocation and I did what you did in the beginning of my discernment, not tell my age, and in the end that just got me into disappointment and in some ways a waste of time on both sides!
 

Most orders DO ask age if you don't but why not be straight forward with them up front?  I once corresponded with an order I was crazy about and they with me and we wrote back and forth for quite a while and then planned a visit and just before I was to go, I was asked my age - and that shot it ALL down!  They assumed I was in their age limit and I assumed all was fine and was excited to visit and maybe enter!

 

MANY orders will take older, despite a stated age limit, I've found.  What I do now is just write a long letter or email covering everything up front: age, job experience, my call and any other things I could think of!  I wanted them to know up front everything so both sides aren't deceived and have dashed hopes.

 

As for  your comment, (This is my opinion, but I think the worst thing to say is, "Do you accept older vocations?"  It's just too easy to say "no" to that question), is flawed thinking.  Just because you don't ask the question does NOT mean they will say "no".  They say "no" ONLY when they won't take nor consider older vocations!  Just because you avoid this question, doesn't mean they will take you when they don't take older!  Orders say "no" when it IS a no-go regarding older vocations! 

 

Take it from someone who has been discerning for 15 yrs!  That long because God called me very early when I was not free to prepare me and my family (long story).  So while I was not free for at least 7-8 of those years (the rest was consumed in trying to sell my house), I learned the best way to write and approach orders given my age and other circumstances and like you I had the "hide the age" thing going and it NEVER worked!  One order short of chastised me for not telling them up front! - but most are sorry things progressed so far before the "A" bomb was dropped on them.

 

It is best to be honest and open in all areas up front with all orders and write/email any and all orders you feel attracted to.  Just don't go by a stated age limit as I and others I know, who they wrote and then entered an order, have gotten good response to them when they had a previously stated younger age limit.

 

Yes, it is wrong for orders to have young age limits when God is definitely calling men and women past these limits and yes most of them have really idiotic views on older vocations, but there are many who do not and may even have a younger age limit!  Then there are orders/communities that PREFER older in more ways!  These orders/communities are wise to realize that often just as many younger ones as older leave before Solemn Profession and see and understand how in many ways older women ARE more suitable - barring any physical or mental problems, which is the same for younger too.  I once had an order tell me "no" due to my age because they said, "We've had 4 older women leave us in the past 20 yrs"......20 YRS?!  I can see so many months or a few years but in TWENTY YEARS?!  Please!  I saw that statement as so ridiculous, I wouldn't WANT to enter there!

[chasmi]

Josefa...

Sr. Maureen Christine was with the sisters when they were on their journeys through Italy and then all of a sudden there was no site of her.  I thought maybe she had left the community.  But now I see in their latest newsletter that she is in full habit and also hearing of her misfortune of an amputation.  I think it says a great deal about these dear sisters, that they are keeping Sister in their hearts and community and apparently looking after her.  I'm not surprised however, because Mother Gabrielle Marie, known as Sr. Mary Catherine at OLAM, was quite attentive and caring for Mother Angelica in her illness and rehab and appeared to be at her side at all times.

I think that the Benedictine Daughters of Divine Will are a wonderful community and I applaude their spirit and faith.  I plan to retire next year and hope to visit them soon after.

There was mention at one point, that the young priest who is seen in their photos often was hoping to found a mens order as a "brother" order.  I'm hoping that is in God's will...

God's Blessings...

[MarysLittleFlower]

I just found out about them and they seem so wonderful! Do they really have the TLM??? that's amazing cause I've been looking into communities with the TLM :D and they follow the spirituality of Luisa Piccarreta which I like too. They also talk about St Therese, Divine Mercy, Adoration, Rosary, and Total Consecration on their website - all of which I love. And Benedictines are great! hmmm.. they seem like a great community and hopefully they would continue growing :D

[ToJesusMyHeart]

Oh, they are so beautiful! 

[Lil'Nun]

I just looked at their site and it seems they are now only inviting enquiries from those under 35.

" If you are 35 years old or younger and your prayer continues to lead you to us, then fill out the form below and we can begin the journey of seeking God's will together."

It's a real shame if they have changed their stance on age.

[By His Grace Alone]

I just looked at their site and it seems they are now only inviting enquiries from those under 35.

" If you are 35 years old or younger and your prayer continues to lead you to us, then fill out the form below and we can begin the journey of seeking God's will together."

It's a real shame if they have changed their stance on age.

 

But sadly, not surprising. 

[OnlySunshine]

Guess I'll have to take them off my list for belated vocations. :(

[nikita92]

Wouldn't it be wonderful to see a rule in some communities (in every spiritually) age limit - 35 and up ONLY!! Lol

[truthfinder]

Wouldn't it be wonderful to see a rule in some communities (in every spiritually) age limit - 35 and up ONLY!! Lol

There are the Eudists of the Seventh Hour - I believe they only start accepting after 40

[OnlySunshine]

There are the Eudists of the Seventh Hour - I believe they only start accepting after 40

 

Yes, the Eudists accept older women from 45 to 65.  They are on my list.  ;)

[Mary's Margaret]

Eudist Servants of the Eleventh Hour   http://www.eudistservants.org/site/   

The story of their foundress, Mother Antonia is amazing and chronicled in

the biography, Prison Angel written by a Pulitzer Prize winning team

...a fascinating and inspiring read!

[nikita92]

Wow! I never knew! Thanks for actually coming up with one! ;)

[Feankie]

I just went to their website for my own edification :))  Wow, seems not a lot a formation goes on before one takes her vows, and it's interesting that Sisters live all over the United 

States and in Mexico.  Bless them for accepting older vocations ..... I guess we who are "up there" in age are pretty much already formed in our secular vocation in life! As the saying goes, it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks  :hehe2:

[Lil'Nun]

I emailed the convent and yes, it is true, they now have an age limit of 35.

 

On the subject of convents that only take older women Mater Ecclesiae  in the UK only take women OVER 40.

http://www.mater-ecclesiae-convent.co.uk/

Edited October 2, 2013 by Lil'Nun

[Mary's Margaret]

I just went to their website for my own edification :))  Wow, seems not a lot a formation goes on before one takes her vows, and it's interesting that Sisters live all over the United 

States and in Mexico.  Bless them for accepting older vocations ..... I guess we who are "up there" in age are pretty much already formed in our secular vocation in life! As the saying goes, it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks  :hehe2:

 

I think it may be more the case that women who are accepted are already mature in their faith and prayer lives.  Also, this is not primarily a community living in common.  The women have to live independently and be self-supporting, more often than not returning to live and carry out their apostolates in their hometowns.  In addition to the late starting age, this would make a longer formation period unmanageable as one has to maintain one's home, and perhaps job, while going through the process.  

 

That being said, I am curious about how the community is organised, what's included in their initial and ongoing formation, etc.  Actually, in my diocese, we're looking into the possibility of a non-residential, contemplative community with an apostolate of prayer and presence to the critically ill/injured, the dying and those who have willfully turned from God.  The entrance age range would be 40-65.  I'm in the process of contacting Mother Antonia's community and would be happy to post whatever information I gather if folk are interested. 

[LittleDaughterOfGod]

I LOVE the Benedictine Daughters of the Divine Will! They are amesome!!!!!!! I personally am friends with them, and I'm telling you, the Holy Spirit is at work in this Blessed order!

[Feankie]

Although I've received the BDDW's newsletters from their inception, I haven't had the occasion to go to their website lately. But I did today.  They have vastly improved the look!  And, for those of you , ahem, "of a certain age", they are now accepting vocations from ages 40 and under. That seems to be a bit up of bump up from the previous age limit.

Since I haven't been active on this board for over a year, I don't know it this is old news or not.

[GraceUk]

I wonder what age the oldest person to enter a convent was.  People seem to be entering at all ages these days which is a good thing I think.