Catholicism: The history and

journey of Catholic Nuns

By Cassandra Rincon

Discuss the history of your institution.

How did it emerge? How did it come into
existence?
Buddhism and Catholicism have
many similarities. Catholicism is
considered to be a branch from it.
Monasteries were created for
monks to worship and make dues.
This is were the idea of nunnery
came into the picture.
In the 12th century Carmelite nuns
was created in the roman catholic
church. Obedience is key to being
a nun, this has been an order for
the many years it has been
around. Dedication to prayers,
attending mass and helping out in
the community are some of the
key factors in being a nun.

How do members of society perceive your institution?

As a member of the modern

day society, I would view
being a nun to be a very strict
lifestyle. Others can see being
a nun to be something you
only hear about or to be seen
in movies such as The Sound
of Music. People see nuns as
lonely women who just pray
all the time. It is far much
more than what certain people
in society might think about
being a nun. Mother Teresa,
Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, and
St. Catherine of Siena are
some of the many influential
nuns that have had an impact
in societies around the world.

How do members of the institution perceive

itself (its own institution)?
Catholic nuns see themselves as
the workers of God. They are the
worshipers and helpers to God
in which they are there for
whoever is in need of guidance
and comfort. Nuns also see
themselves as educational
helpers by running schools and
creating programs for young
girls to attend school to grow in
knowledge and in the word of
the lord. Nuns around the world
know that they are here on
earth to help, it is their duty to
follow God and do as he does.
Without the help of Nuns in
areas of poverty, all hope would
be lost. People depend on the

What has caused various institutions to change?

Over the years and throughout

history Catholic Nuns have
evolved into a new way of life.
The different issues of racism,
pro-life, science, technology and
new views on life have created
a shift in gears for the nuns and
the catholic church. Nothing
stays the same over a period of
time, things are bound to
change. Nuns have now the
access to apply for jobs outside
of the church and go to school.
Nuns have also been living
amongst society and blend in
with the people. This is also
similar for the monks, they are
making changes for the better

Discuss any stable features of the

institution, that is, features that have not
changed.

Throughout history there is some customs that have not been

changed in the catholic church involving nuns. One major
feature that has not change and will not change is the feature
of helping and healing others. Nuns have been known to travel
to places of the ill, poverty, and dangerous conditions to make
sure they are helping those in need. Mother Teresa is one of the
most influential nuns in the healing world. She traveled to
many places to help children and sick patients in need of care.
Healing others is a main priority for nuns and it is not going to

Who are the major participants in the institution?

What are their roles and statuses?

The major participants in this institution are women. This calls

upon girls of all ages and are encouraged to follow their heart and
listen to God in what they feel would be considered right for them.
Women as young as 18 go through the process of becoming a nun.
This also calls for not having any children, being single, and
having no financial problems to your name.

Does your institution workbetterfor some

members of society (as opposed to others)?
Catholic nuns view major
issues in the eyes of God and
what the church calls about.
Most nuns, but not all; are
against abortion. Some people
in society would not work well
with nuns because of this
reason. Not everyone agrees
with what the nuns might
stand for but there are many
other people who do support
their ideas and suggestions. I
feel that nuns work well when
it comes to education, but not
in the old days when children
were hit with rulers and
scolded badly. Most nuns in
society also help out in the

How has the institution changed over time?

Catholicism has evolved; when a
religion evolves so does its
people. Nuns have become more
socially connected to the modern
day society. Nuns such as Tracy
Kemme have been connecting to
people through her instagram
account and spreading the word of
God and showing that Nuns can
be cool too. Catholic nuns have
changed and they will change,
have you seen Sister Act? It is
really awesome that Catholicism is
making a turning point, its out
with the old and in with the new. I
would love to see how it is going
to be in the coming years ahead.

Sources
"How to Become a Catholic Nun."How to Become a Catholic Nun. N.p., n.d. Web. 14
Feb. 2016.
McNamara, Jo A.Sisters in Arms: Catholic Nuns through Two Millennia. Cambridge,
Mass: Harvard University Press, 1996. Print.
McGuinness, Margaret M.Called to Serve: A History of Nuns in America. New York:
New York University Press, 2013. Print.

Brewer, Eileen Mary.Nuns and the Education of American Catholic Women, 18601920. Chicago, IL: Loyola UP, 1987. Print.
"The Comeback of the American Nun."Women in the World in Association with The
New York Times WITW. N.p., 24 Sept. 2015. Web. 22 Feb. 2016.
Rogers, Carole G.Poverty, Chastity, and Change: Lives of Contemporary American
Nuns. New York: Twayne, 1996. Print.