How Catholic Nuns Shaped America

One of my dearest friends is a nun and a dearer, more devoted, woman I have never known. I watch the nuns in her order and I see a dynamic, hard-working, involved, group of women who are deserving of every praise that could be heaped upon them, yet in their humility they decline even the simplest praise and do all their work in honor of our Lord. What's not to admire?

If you have not seen the movie "Doubt" yet please do. It says it all.

I went to St.Raymonds' Catholic school in East Rockaway,L.I.,N.Y. It was the best education I could've evr rec'd.The nuns were kind,compassionate,understanding-I loved them! They were so intelligent,so intuitive...I will always remember St.Raymonds as the best place I ever attended..I was happy,content there as i have never been since..God bless those nuns!!

Just a clarification. Jesus did not decend into Hell. He decended to the Dead. The place where the souls of all the faithful who had departed remained until the gates of Heaven were opened. This was accomplished by Christ's death and resurrection.

As I read this article I realize that there is much ranting and not any attempt to make sense of the facts. I am glad someone has recognized the work of so many good and holy nuns. What I do not understand is why there is so many complaints about the Vatican's inquiry into the nuns of the USA. The point of this visitation is similar to that of the visitation of American seminaries; to improve what is already going well and offer constructive criticism on what is not. There is nothing against the 300 years of history but rather to make sure that it lasts for another 300 years. There are many vibrant religious communities in the USA and some that are dying. What is most important is that the vibrancy can be restored to the dying communities. I am no expert in the matter but no one should fear a visit from the Vatican it should be an opportunity to share the success of their charism in evangelizing the world. I pray that every visitor is welcomed with open arms to provide the type of feedback that is helping our seminaries become even better at forming priests to meet the challenges of our times.

If you disagree with the Catholic church on a host of issues you are not a Catholic. To identify yourself as Catholic and attend Mass does not mean that you are a Catholic. You are a Catholic only if in your heart and mind you accept the teachings of the Church founded on this earth by Jesus Christ.

After many years of reflection, and interviewing many job applicants, I have only the most respect for the nun's that taught me. Yes sometimes there were favorites, what's new. They were the most caring and dedicated group of teachers I have ever known, and I've known a lot. As far as abuse, the mere mention of the principal calling a parent about a "problem", would end the problem. Little Johnny, or Susie would know what to expect when they got home, and it would not be a "time out". True they may not have been perfect, but remember, how will future generations judge those living today? It would seem to me that the Vatican has an obligation to evaluate it's orders. The way it's being construed as a "inquisition", seems to be a bit of a "knee jerk" response, without reading, or wanting to read the whole message.

I went to parochial most of my life and then a military academy run by nuns andthen h.s. run by brothers. Yes, we were humiliated when we didn't know our lessons. We were made to kneel, write over and over the same phrases, and then there was the "paddle". Most of us were growing up in tough neighborhoods and were relatively good kids but with bad influences. I admit the sometimes we were wrongly accused, but then again, there were many times we didn't get cuaght. Honestly, in retrospect, we got what we deserved. We became better for it. We learned dicipline, wethodology, persistence, humility, respect, compassion. We also eventually learned our lessons and became successful later in life. I'm grateful for those tough sisters. May God bless them all and give us more like them.

Thank you, so much Elizabeth! I am a Catholic nun (since 1962), and a clinical psychologist. I have often observed how the educational, health care, and social service systems in the US and elsewhere have been profounded shaped and built by smart, self-sacrificing Catholic nuns. I think of the women in my community who were often the only females in their graduate programs in education and health care as the first feminists...women who took risks, fought oppressive systems, and dedicated their lives to the best of feminist values. Yes, I have seen a few psychologically ill sisters who probably inflicted the emotional wounds on others that they themselves carried within. But it is the Catholic Nuns who have helped equally gifted lay people lead the renewal of Vatican II--often eliciting cruel and mean spirited criticism for doing exactly what the Second Vatican Council asked them to do. I hope more like minded women continue to join us! As Bryan Cones (US Catholic) observed, Catholic nuns, past and more recent, deserve a medal, not an investigation. But as long as Rome is controlled by men, we won't hold our breath. Besides, we are not in the work of ministry for the rewards, but for the deep sense that the gospel message of love belongs to all.

Let us clarify the reality of the Vatican's investigation into the "nuns" in American today. VERY MANY are not true stewards of the Cahtolic Faith. All the comments and theories posted on this blog come down to the answer to this question; IF THE NUNS OF OUR YOUTH, 50 AND OLDER, AND THOSE WHO PROCEEDED THEM, RETURNED TO THIS EARTH AND PROCEEDED TO THEIR OLD CONVENTS ETC..., WOULD THEY BE HORRIFIED OR HAPPY? 98% would be shocked at the abhorrent state of their Orders and Convents. Sorry if I mispelled any word, the size 1 font didn't help.

Thank God for all of the nuns who teach us to love God and follow His commands. May God bless them!

No one will doubt the efforts and impact of Catholic nuns in the United States. That's not the point of the Times' article, nor is it the point of the Vatican investigation. The point is that no matter how good they are, no matter how wonderful their efforts, if they are spreading heretical doctrine they need to be brought back into line with the Church. There really isn't a point to having them call themselves Catholic if they aren't going to abide by the rules and teach the Faith the way it's supposed to be taught. It's great that the nuns are being recognized, but please get the core idea straight.

Having attended Sacred Heart grade and High School from 1949 to 1961 I can agree with both sides of the previous comments. I had my share of yardstick, pointers, mechanical drawing rulers on my knuckles and other parts of my anatomy because I deserved most all punishments that I got. But on the education side I know that all of the Sisters of Saint Agnes that taught at Sacred Heart in Yonkers, NY were very good at teaching us. There were times that I took the punishment for what others did but most of the time I did the dirty deed myself. I don't know that there are any of the nuns that taught me then left. I think most are gone on to their eternity with God above. The Sisters of Saint Agnes retired from Yonkers, NY to Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin.

It always amazes me when "Catholics", who love the church, always bring up past Church problems to justify their non obdience to Church doctrine. Catholic means you follow the teachings and doctrines of the Church, this is isn't a cafeteria where you can pick and choose which teachings or doctrines you want to follow. If you were a Baptist and said, I love the Baptist church but I have trouble with the once saved always saved doctrine they would run you out without any question because that is a core doctrine of that faith. You can't be a Baptist if you don't believe that. God Bless the Nuns and what they have done for our church and our faith. But if they have strayed off the reservation and are not following all true Church doctrine then they need to go to confession and get back on board. They took vows, they need to follow them.

I was taught by nuns from kindergarden till 12th grade there were two that were a little too physical. but most of them were good teacher they kept order in the class and our grades prove it.as I became a teenage I found them to be very understanding people that would help you out if you had problems at home .I was no longer afarid of them

Dear Aunt Lizzie, Thank you for your insights in your article. As stated earlier by people on this post this investigation is not about not acknowledging the heroic contribution of nuns to the development of the Catholic Church and American society as you highlighted. This investigation is about looking into religious orders of nuns who have rejected their Catholic identity and spiritual charism. If you look at religious orders of women who are booming in the United States (such as the Nashville Dominicans, Sisters of Life, Missionaries of Charity, Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist, etc.) the reason for their success is that they have remained true to their Catholic identity by living out Church teaching, their order's spiritual charism, wearing the habit, praying the rosary, reaching out to the poor and preaching the Gospel to the world. Other religious orders and the Leadership Conference of Women Religious have rejected funamental truths of the faith such as eco-spirituality, supporiting women priests, and support for an equivocation of the sexes in a way that undermines authentic feminine dignity. T To these orders, the Catholic faith is not about Jesus Christ and embracing the Gospel on His Terms. Instead it is about making themselves into their own god and pushing their own agenda as the authentic "gospel." This attitude has done serious damage to the Church in the US because it has distorted what the Catholic Faith actually is and misled many souls.

My father was in the US military and I went to Catholic school through high school in many locations throughout the US. I wish to commend all the Sisters of Mercy and the Franciscan Sisters for my education who without their challenges, commitment to excellence, adversity, and corporal punishment they gave me, I may have turned out quite bad. TO: Sister Mary Mercy, Sister Mary Paula, Sister Mary Bridgeta (religion - Baltimore Catechism) , Sister Francis (Science), Mother Superior Etna, and my high school sisters who taught me business law, history, & mathematics, I salute you now. Nuns absolutely do not get a fair shake from the anyone! Carpe Deum, quam minimum credula postero!

We obviously attended different schools at different times. My educational experience fits into the constant physical and psychological abuse category. The worse tragedy of all was the amount of time we were forced to spend in the memorization of ridiculous, useless Catechism verses in constant fear of facing physical abuse for mispronouncing something in Latin, or hesitating over a word. While this drivel continued, "unimportant" topics like mathematics and science were completely eliminated from the daily routine whenever possible or took a backseat to continual religious conditioning. I feel completely cheated out of my Graded School education and was glad to see as they were replaced by competent instructors with "real-life" priorities.

I SPEND 8 YRS IN A CATHOLIC SCHOOL, AND WAS NEVER HELP IN ANY WAY. WHEN I CAME TO AMERICA IN 1949 I DID NOT SPEAK ENGISH, SO I WAS IGNORED BY THE NUNS. NO ONE MADE AN EFFORT TO TEACH ME ENGLISH. THANK GOD FOR MY FELLOW CLASS MATES, I WAS ABLE TO PICK UP ENGLISH. I CAN TELL YOU THAT I AM NOT VERY HAPPY TODAY WITH THE CATHOLIC,S. TODAY

If you want true stories of how nuns shaped this country...ask an American Indian.

I too was educated by nuns in a catholic grammar school. I can honestly say that my best memories are of this time in my life. I never once felt repressed or discouraged by my nun teachers. I do remember that they adopted a take no bull attitiude with all of the students including myself! What you may call repression, I'd call accoutability. Nuns made sure that we knew that there were consequences for all of our actions and we were all the better for it. Catholic school made me who I am today and I am grateful to many of my teachers, especially Sr. Alphonse Joseph, Sr. Lillian and Sr. Muriel all Sisters of the Sacred Heart for all of their caring and hard work. I also think that my parents deserve credit for making a wise investment in sending my brother and I to catholic school!

We obviously attended different schools at different times. My educational experience fits into the constant physical and psychological abuse category. The worse tragedy of all was the amount of time we were forced to spend in the memorization of ridiculous, useless Catechism verses in constant fear of facing physical abuse for mispronouncing something in Latin, or hesitating over a word. While this drivel continued, "unimportant" topics like mathematics and science were completely eliminated from the daily routine whenever possible or took a backseat to continual religious conditioning. I feel completely cheated out of my Graded School education and was glad to see as they were replaced by competent instructors with "real-life" priorities.

I can see St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and St. Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, but the modern nuns of today? Not! The modern LCWR is the PROBLEM with America today. They are no St. Frances or St. Elizabeth by a LONG SHOT! The rotten fruit of American nuns today can be seen in their stranglehold on the Catholic educational system that, against the Church, questioned the True Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, pushed women's ordination, instituted sex education to 3rd graders, and joined the pro-choice crowd in demand for women's "liberation" from principled Apostolic values of the sacredness of life. I was educated by nuns and they were no different than the American feminist movement - and they were my TEACHERS! The only legacy the LCWR left behind is a crisis of faith in today's parochial educated youth. Modern nuns ruined children's understanding of Christ and His Church.

I attended Sacred Heart Grade school and Sacred Heart High in Yonkers, New York. Started kindergarten in fall 0f 1949 and graduated high school in 1961. The Sisters of Saint Agnes and the Capuchin order of the priesthood were the orders in charge. I have to agree with both sides of the discussions set forth here. I, however, do not know of any of our priests that abused any child ever. There were quite a few of the nuns that got their share of smacking me (I was no angel in school and deserved what I got) around but as far as educators go they were the best at getting your lessons across. To my knowledge the few remaining Sisters are in a retirement convent in Fond du Lac Wisconsin, and most of the ones that taught me are no longer with us here on earth. God Bless all of them.

Amen and Amen. We love our nuns, but don't kick the Habit. It sets off the real sisters from the ones who care more about their causes than those of the church and society.