The news that the Vatican is now making official inquiries into Catholic nuns in America and whether they are adhering to church doctrine obscures a very important history about nuns in this country.
For nearly three centuries, Catholic nuns have worked heroically, unselfishly, tirelessly, against all odds, to make this great country what it is today. The US economy would not have come so far through the centuries without the help of American nuns.
You rarely see the American history of Catholic nuns reported in the media. A bit of journalistic astigmatism, reductio ad absurdum.
But a new exhibit touring museums throughout America may cahnge all that. The new exhibit makes the courageous effort of Catholic nuns in shaping this country's landscape quite plain.
I respectfully urge and invite Vatican officials to make a visit to this exhibit. Only then will they appreciate how many Americans feel that the work of Catholic nuns is as vital as oxygen, and that nuns have been quite in helping this country achieve its greatness.
The exhibit is called "Women and Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America" and is organized by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), an association of leaders of congregations of Catholic women religious in the United States.
The exhibit was done in association with the Cincinnati Museum Center. In the 3,200 square foot exhibit, you'll find letters, artifacts, images and multimedia displays. It opened in Cincinnati, Ohio in May, kicking off a three-year tour (see schedule below), and is possibly headed to the Smithsonian Institution in the nation's capital.
"We started this exhibit out of an intense desire to share the history of the Catholic sisters and their contributions to the history and culture of the United States," Sister Helen Maher Garvey, a sister with the Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary order and chair of the history committee for the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, has reportedly said. "The sisters feel very strongly that it is an untold story."
Make no mistake, I am a Catholic, and I love my faith. I don't agree with it on a host of issues. And it's an atrocity that Catholic priests have committed outrageous, disgusting criminal acts of sexual abuse against the young, whereby they have molested and raped children. Every last one of them should be put on trial and, if found guilty, thrown in jail.
And yes, if you're Catholic and you've been taught by nuns, you've likely run across the jokes about Catholic sisters, about being taught by a Sister George C. Scott or a Sister Mary Handcuffs or the Sisters of (No) Mercy, or Sister Mary Aloysius Expialodocious, you know, the nuns who will haunt you until you can recite your multiplication tables in your sleep. I get all that.
But what bothers me is this. The New York Times' recent story noted that the Vatican inquiries have "startled and dismayed nuns who fear they are the targets of a doctrinal inquisition," as their teachings may be at variance with the Vatican.
However, what is inconsonant is what the Times didn't report in its elision of a story, that is, the extraordinary bravery and derringdo of Catholic nuns, nuns who arrived in America more than 300 years ago, when the first Ursuline sisters arrived in New Orleans in 1727, nuns who have stood under a bright light and lifted it higher in this during the country's darkest hours, nuns who have helped stream forward a rushing river of love that began 2,000 years ago, to paraphrase Saint Bernard de Clairvaux.
Information like this, which comes from the Leadership Conference of Women Religious:
*Catholic sisters' quiet heroism during the Civil War, the Gold Rush, the San Francisco Earthquake, the Influenza Epidemic, the Civil Rights Movement, even to this day in their work with Hurricane Katrina. For example, more than 600 sisters from 21 different communities nursed both Union and Confederate soldiers during the Civil War.
*Catholic nuns have served frontier communities, talked down bandits and roughnecks, lugged pianos into the wilderness, and provided the nation's first health insurance to Midwestern loggers.
*Throughout periods of struggle and controversy, Catholic sisters have opened orphanages, schools, hospitals, colleges, universities, and provided other social services that have served millions of Americans.
*The U.S. Catholic school system is the largest private school system in the world, largely established and run by Catholic nuns. More than 110 U.S. colleges and universities were founded by Catholic sisters. The first American-born saint, Elizabeth Ann Seton, SC, founder of Sisters of Charity, was a mother and widow who established the nation's first free Catholic school (EMac: One of my favorite quotes: "Faith lifts the staggering soul on one side, Hope supports it on the other, Experience says it must be, Love says, Let it be."--Saint Elizabeth Seton.)
*Today, approximately one in six U.S. hospital patients is cared for in a Catholic facility.
*During its founding, Alcoholics Anonymous received vital support from Sister Ignatia Gavin, CSA, who successfully advocated that alcoholism be treated as a medical condition.
*Catholic nuns have contributed to science. That includes pioneering research in infrared spectrography by Sister Miriam Stimson, OP, research which supported the discovery of DNA.
*Since 1980, nine American sisters have been murdered while working for social justice and human rights overseas.
*Since 1995, numerous congregations have participated as nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) at the United Nations, focusing on global issues such as climate change, human trafficking, and poverty.
"I have to admit that I simply overflow with pride in, admiration and gratitude for such a phenomenal service and ministry within the Church, for the Church, over so many centuries," says my friend, Sister Margaret Mary Forsyth of the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND). "When I go back to the high school students and permanent Deacons whom I taught, and ask them, 'how do we spell Church'?, they learned it very well--'P E O P L E!'"
And listen, too, to what Cokie Roberts, news analyst and author, has said:
"From the time the Ursulines arrived in New Orleans in 1727 up to today, women religious have made an incalculable contribution to this nation. Running schools, hospitals and orphanages from America's earliest days, these women helped foster a culture of social service that has permeated our society. Over the centuries these courageous women overcame many obstacles--both physical and cultural--to bring their civilizing and caring influence to every corner of the country. Understanding and celebrating the history of women religious is essential to understanding and celebrating the history of America."
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Upcoming showings:
"Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America" has been scheduled at the following museums:
The Cincinnati Museum Center Cincinnati May 16-Sept. 7, 2009
The S. Dillon Ripley Center The Smithsonian Institute Washington January-April 2010
The Mississippi River Museum Debuque, Iowa February-April 2011
I must agree catholic nuns have made many positive contributions in the area of care for infirm and the poor. As educators, however, I must take exception. I finally got away from the nuns in 10th grade when I started high school in a public school. For most of my previous school years I dreaded every day in school. The nuns I had seemed to especially hate typically active and independent boys. Talking in class, passing notes, daydreaming. This was the terrible behavior I indulged in. For this I received many sore and bleeding knuckles from thick rulers; had my hair pulled and head bashed against the blackboard many times. In addition, I was called an "imbecile", "moron". Oh, I almost forgot! I was one of the hard luck kids from public housing that were sent to the wealthiest parish school in the city. My parents gave seemingly little to the church because they did not have it. The good Sisters of St. Joseph gave me such a negative view of the religion I never practiced it again since leaving catholic school.
July 7, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Adrian
The Vatican is in no way taking away from the devotion and hard work that nuns have done throughout Amereica's history. But there is no comparison between the devotion, sacrifice and overwhelming reverence of the nuns of today compared to those of the past, the later being the ones to which you refer to in the article. Today, nuns in America are hard to find. Their numbers are dwindled, they "choose" not to wear a habit but instead regular clothes and a nametag, reverence is seemingly not a requirement and they do not follow the same lifestyle as those that are praised in the article. So, without taking away from the myriad contributions from nuns of the past, as well as today, there has been a breakdown over the years that needs to be corrected. If not, your article will become moot if liberalism continues to plague the Catholic church.
July 7, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Anne Martin Phelan OSF
What a beautiful tribute to religious sisters, who have made such tremendous contributions to life in the United States and I have to add, to the world. Those of us who serve in religious congregations today know that we 'stand on the shoulders' of these wonderful, dedicated women.
Thank you for writing this article.
Sister Anne Martin Phelan
Sisters of St. Francis
Clinton, Iowa
July 7, 2009 at 4:49 pm
George Wilson
The Vatican is not questioning the work of nuns. I know many and they are like family. The Vatican is making sure the nuns are adhering to the teachings of Holy Mother Church. Many are teachers after all and we don't need any more "cafeteria catholics" populating our country. If you are Catholic, you either believe in EVERYTHING the Church teaches and are Catholic or you are not Catholic. There's a book, called the Catechism of the Catholic Church that details all of the teachings and supports another book called the Holy Bible. It used to be when people disagreed with the Church, they realized they were not really Catholic and left. Today, they try to destroy the Church from within. The Church has not changed her teaching for 2000 years and NEVER will, because it teaches what Christ taught us. Enough with the "I'm Catholic but I don't believe in..." If you want a choice you have one, be Catholic or don't be Catholic. If you're Catholic you believe all of the teachings or you're not Catholic...it's that simple.
July 7, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Al Fleming
Grew up in Kansas City, going to St. Louis Grade School for eight years. Can't say enough good things about the nuns there. In the class room they were tough and all business, on the playground or after school they were like everyone else but always respectful of their higher calling. If I could use only one word to describe the nuns, self-sacrificing would be that word. They gave up much of what we think life has to offer to insure that others received the best they had to give. We didn't know what segregation was, they treated us all the same. There was no rich or poor, God loved us all. Most of what I see wrong with todays world, selfishness and greed, weren't even in their vocabulary.
We could sure use a lot more nuns today.
Thanks to you all.
July 7, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Tom Wirtz
Amen.
July 7, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Stephen J, Dunn
Sister Sheila,my second grade teacher, 47 years ago, was was one of the nicest, sweetest people I have ever met. She was a wonderful influence on me early in my life. I have met many other wonderful nuns as well, including the one currently at my parish. Nuns give of themselves for others. Our world would be a much better place if we had more nuns. The pendulum will swing back.
July 7, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Brian
Whereas the religious women who helped to shape this Nation and who served the poorest of the poor (and in many cases still do) were excellent and faithful women, today the Leadership Conference of Women Religious has brought upon itself the Visitation by the Vatican. There is a enormous difference in the type of women religious who are a part of the LCWR and those who came to this country 300 years ago. Namely, a difference in orthodoxy. This is not some witch hunt, but rather an examination to see that the LCWR actually professes what the Roman Catholic Church teaches. Is there something incongruous with someone who says that they are Catholic (especially a professed religious) and actually living out and preaching what the Catholic Church teaches? It would seem that if an individual does not agree with the teachings of the Church and vocally advocates AGAINST the Church's teaching, then they could not rightfully be considered Catholic. The LCWR has visibly advocated the acceptance of the homosexual act, the ordination of women priests, and have downplayed the salvific role of Jesus Christ. These stances are contrary to the teachings of the Church and if true, need to be corrected for them to be considered Faithful Catholics. This is the reason for the Visitation.
July 7, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Hugh
though I'm not catholic I respect and revere the good that nuns as a force have shaped America. Giving us as a country morals and ethics.
July 7, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Christine
It is not the nuns who have accomplished all of this as stated in your article. It is the nuns who have decided they are going to ignore Church teaching and engage in all sorts of heretical behavior; e.g. New Age teaching and other things. But if you, "Emac", don't agree with a lot of the Church's teaching, what is it that you love about your faith. Something that you made up? Then again, maybe you did not report on these heretical nuns that are around today because you agree with them.
July 7, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Stephen R Wilson
Very well said andd thought out. As a product of the Sister of Notre Dane de Namur I heve been blessed by their counsel and guidance. The idea thet we are "scarred" by their teachngs and treatment is so soverblown I find it nearly comical. So many of my contemporaries that experienced the same upbringing are well adjusted and, for the most part, virtuous in spite of the mythical treatement we have been purported to have endured.
We will likely never meet but I suspect we have much in common ...
thanks so much ...
Grammar school: Holy Name , Chicopee, Ma
High school: East Catholic, Manchester, Ct
snding daughter to Emmanuel College, Boston, Ma
July 7, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Carla, Ballwin, MO
Absolutely beautiful - thank you for honoring nuns, the truly selfless and gentle souls of the world. EMac...always the best! WHEN you write your book, I promise I will buy it!
July 7, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Carla, Ballwin, MO
Absolutely beautiful - thank you for honoring nuns, the truly selfless and gentle souls of the world. EMac...always the best!
July 7, 2009 at 3:21 pm
K. McDonald
I feel fortunate to have been taught by Catholic nuns from elementary school through high school. They instilled in me a respect for authority, love of learning, and understanding of Catholic theology. Their dedication to teaching was truly a vocation and those of us who grew up in the sixties, attending parochial schools, are richer for it.
Elizabeth MacDonald is the stocks editor for Fox Business Network. She is recognized as one of the top prize-winning business journalists in the country, and has received 14 awards, including the top prize in business journalism, the Gerald Loeb Award for Distinguished Business Journalism, and the Newswomen's Club of New York Front Page Award for Excellence in Investigative Journalism.
oxygen, and that nuns have been quite in helping this country achieve its greatness.
*Today, approximately one in six U.S. hospital patients is cared for in a Catholic facility.
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hts
I must agree catholic nuns have made many positive contributions in the area of care for infirm and the poor. As educators, however, I must take exception. I finally got away from the nuns in 10th grade when I started high school in a public school. For most of my previous school years I dreaded every day in school. The nuns I had seemed to especially hate typically active and independent boys. Talking in class, passing notes, daydreaming. This was the terrible behavior I indulged in. For this I received many sore and bleeding knuckles from thick rulers; had my hair pulled and head bashed against the blackboard many times. In addition, I was called an "imbecile", "moron". Oh, I almost forgot! I was one of the hard luck kids from public housing that were sent to the wealthiest parish school in the city. My parents gave seemingly little to the church because they did not have it. The good Sisters of St. Joseph gave me such a negative view of the religion I never practiced it again since leaving catholic school.
Adrian
The Vatican is in no way taking away from the devotion and hard work that nuns have done throughout Amereica's history. But there is no comparison between the devotion, sacrifice and overwhelming reverence of the nuns of today compared to those of the past, the later being the ones to which you refer to in the article. Today, nuns in America are hard to find. Their numbers are dwindled, they "choose" not to wear a habit but instead regular clothes and a nametag, reverence is seemingly not a requirement and they do not follow the same lifestyle as those that are praised in the article. So, without taking away from the myriad contributions from nuns of the past, as well as today, there has been a breakdown over the years that needs to be corrected. If not, your article will become moot if liberalism continues to plague the Catholic church.
Anne Martin Phelan OSF
What a beautiful tribute to religious sisters, who have made such tremendous contributions to life in the United States and I have to add, to the world. Those of us who serve in religious congregations today know that we 'stand on the shoulders' of these wonderful, dedicated women. Thank you for writing this article. Sister Anne Martin Phelan Sisters of St. Francis Clinton, Iowa
George Wilson
The Vatican is not questioning the work of nuns. I know many and they are like family. The Vatican is making sure the nuns are adhering to the teachings of Holy Mother Church. Many are teachers after all and we don't need any more "cafeteria catholics" populating our country. If you are Catholic, you either believe in EVERYTHING the Church teaches and are Catholic or you are not Catholic. There's a book, called the Catechism of the Catholic Church that details all of the teachings and supports another book called the Holy Bible. It used to be when people disagreed with the Church, they realized they were not really Catholic and left. Today, they try to destroy the Church from within. The Church has not changed her teaching for 2000 years and NEVER will, because it teaches what Christ taught us. Enough with the "I'm Catholic but I don't believe in..." If you want a choice you have one, be Catholic or don't be Catholic. If you're Catholic you believe all of the teachings or you're not Catholic...it's that simple.
Al Fleming
Grew up in Kansas City, going to St. Louis Grade School for eight years. Can't say enough good things about the nuns there. In the class room they were tough and all business, on the playground or after school they were like everyone else but always respectful of their higher calling. If I could use only one word to describe the nuns, self-sacrificing would be that word. They gave up much of what we think life has to offer to insure that others received the best they had to give. We didn't know what segregation was, they treated us all the same. There was no rich or poor, God loved us all. Most of what I see wrong with todays world, selfishness and greed, weren't even in their vocabulary. We could sure use a lot more nuns today. Thanks to you all.
Tom Wirtz
Amen.
Stephen J, Dunn
Sister Sheila,my second grade teacher, 47 years ago, was was one of the nicest, sweetest people I have ever met. She was a wonderful influence on me early in my life. I have met many other wonderful nuns as well, including the one currently at my parish. Nuns give of themselves for others. Our world would be a much better place if we had more nuns. The pendulum will swing back.
Brian
Whereas the religious women who helped to shape this Nation and who served the poorest of the poor (and in many cases still do) were excellent and faithful women, today the Leadership Conference of Women Religious has brought upon itself the Visitation by the Vatican. There is a enormous difference in the type of women religious who are a part of the LCWR and those who came to this country 300 years ago. Namely, a difference in orthodoxy. This is not some witch hunt, but rather an examination to see that the LCWR actually professes what the Roman Catholic Church teaches. Is there something incongruous with someone who says that they are Catholic (especially a professed religious) and actually living out and preaching what the Catholic Church teaches? It would seem that if an individual does not agree with the teachings of the Church and vocally advocates AGAINST the Church's teaching, then they could not rightfully be considered Catholic. The LCWR has visibly advocated the acceptance of the homosexual act, the ordination of women priests, and have downplayed the salvific role of Jesus Christ. These stances are contrary to the teachings of the Church and if true, need to be corrected for them to be considered Faithful Catholics. This is the reason for the Visitation.
Hugh
though I'm not catholic I respect and revere the good that nuns as a force have shaped America. Giving us as a country morals and ethics.
Christine
It is not the nuns who have accomplished all of this as stated in your article. It is the nuns who have decided they are going to ignore Church teaching and engage in all sorts of heretical behavior; e.g. New Age teaching and other things. But if you, "Emac", don't agree with a lot of the Church's teaching, what is it that you love about your faith. Something that you made up? Then again, maybe you did not report on these heretical nuns that are around today because you agree with them.
Stephen R Wilson
Very well said andd thought out. As a product of the Sister of Notre Dane de Namur I heve been blessed by their counsel and guidance. The idea thet we are "scarred" by their teachngs and treatment is so soverblown I find it nearly comical. So many of my contemporaries that experienced the same upbringing are well adjusted and, for the most part, virtuous in spite of the mythical treatement we have been purported to have endured. We will likely never meet but I suspect we have much in common ... thanks so much ... Grammar school: Holy Name , Chicopee, Ma High school: East Catholic, Manchester, Ct snding daughter to Emmanuel College, Boston, Ma
Carla, Ballwin, MO
Absolutely beautiful - thank you for honoring nuns, the truly selfless and gentle souls of the world. EMac...always the best! WHEN you write your book, I promise I will buy it!
Carla, Ballwin, MO
Absolutely beautiful - thank you for honoring nuns, the truly selfless and gentle souls of the world. EMac...always the best!
K. McDonald
I feel fortunate to have been taught by Catholic nuns from elementary school through high school. They instilled in me a respect for authority, love of learning, and understanding of Catholic theology. Their dedication to teaching was truly a vocation and those of us who grew up in the sixties, attending parochial schools, are richer for it.