Second Spring

By Diogenes ( articles ) | Jul 22, 2003

The 1970s saw a number of come-visit-the-zoo stories in secular newspapers in which a journalist would visit a convent and express her surprise at the newfound wordliness of the nuns: they wore Adidas running shoes; they listened to Simon & Garfunkle LPs; they ate Oreos right from the bag, etc. The message was: no mystery here.

Times have changed. The Nashville Dominicans, and more particularly the religious mystery of their lives, are the subject of an article in the Jackson Sun:

After the sisters take the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience for three years, they receive the black veil. Soon enough, she will wear the traditional white habit and black veil worn by sisters in her congregation. Sister Mary Sabina is one of a growing number of young women who have chosen to enter the religious order of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation, which is based in Nashville.

Even the reporter can't wholly disguise her fascination with the offering, with the gift of self made by these women. Something new is afoot. Something not reckoned with in the listening sessions of the USCCB