How Catholic Nuns Shaped America

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Amen.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

Absolutely beautiful - thank you for honoring nuns, the truly selfless and gentle souls of the world. EMac...always the best!

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.