The Catholic Church boasts of various religious orders dedicated to the service of God and humanity. Among these orders are the nun communities, which have been in existence for centuries. While there are several nun congregations, each with unique traditions and guidelines, there is one that stands out as the strictest of them all – the Order of Saint Clare.
Founded by Saint Clare of Assisi in the 13th century, the Order of Saint Clare is known for its strict rule of absolute poverty, submission, and silence. Members of this order devote their lives to prayer, contemplation, and service, abstaining from all forms of material possessions and physical contact with the outside world. They live in strict enclosure, meaning they are not allowed to leave their convents except for healthcare and medical emergencies.
The Order of Saint Clare has evolved over the years, but the foundation of their strictness has remained the same. They still observe their traditional practices, including keeping the papal enclosure, which was instituted in the 16th century by Pope Urban VIII. Unlike other nun communities, the Order of Saint Clare does not accept lay visitors or volunteers, and their members are barred from visiting their families or keeping any significant relationships outside the convent.
The History of Strict Nuns
Strict nuns, also known as cloistered nuns or enclosed nuns, refer to the women who dedicate themselves to the religious life and live in seclusion from the outside world. The idea of being secluded from society has been around for centuries, and it has been a part of different religious traditions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity.
- In the early days of Christianity, religious women would live together in homes and lead a life dedicated to prayer and service to others. However, as time went by, these women wanted to detach themselves from the world even more and live a life of complete seclusion.
- The first-ever enclosed convent was founded in the 16th century in Spain by Saint Teresa of Avila. She wanted to establish a place where nuns could live in complete isolation and dedicate themselves to prayer and meditation.
- After the establishment of the first enclosed convent, many other orders were founded based on the same principles. The most notable orders include the Carmelite Order, the Poor Clares, and the Visitandines.
Throughout history, strict nuns have been a significant part of the Catholic Church’s religious institutions. Historically, these nuns were wealthy women who chose to give up all their possessions and live a life of poverty and seclusion. Many of these women had noble backgrounds and were even related to royal families.
Today, strict nuns continue to live a life of seclusion and dedication to prayer. They spend most of their days in prayer and contemplation, and their contact with the outside world is restricted. However, strict nuns are not just sequestered in one area, they are also involved in charitable work, and act as intercessors in every society.
Below is a sample table that shows some strict orders of nuns:
| Name of Order | Founding Year | Founder |
|---|---|---|
| Carmelite Order | 1600 | St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross |
| Poor Clares | 1212 | St. Clare of Assisi |
| Visitandines | 1610 | St. Jane Frances de Chantal and St. Francis de Sales |
The Vows of Strict Nuns
When joining a convent, nuns take vows that signify their commitment to live according to certain religious principles. For strict nuns, these vows tend to be even more rigorous than for other orders. Here we will delve deeper into the third subtopic: The Vows of Strict Nuns.
Strict nuns take three vows: poverty, chastity, and obedience.
- Poverty: This vow requires strict nuns to cut off ties with all worldly possessions. They live a life of simplicity, that even their most basic needs such as clothing and food are provided by the convent.
- Chastity: Nuns take a vow of chastity to focus on their spiritual lives. They are to remain celibate and refrain from all forms of sexual activity, which includes abstaining from marriage, dating or any sort of romantic or sexual relationships.
- Obedience: This vow encompasses the commitment of strict nuns to obey their superiors and the teachings of the Church. It is a vow that they follow their leaders without question, taking all the guidance and instructions provided from their superiors as divine will.
The purpose of these vows is to help strict nuns live a life of selflessness and complete devotion to God. They are meant to ensure that nuns prioritize their spiritual life over their worldly desires and to keep them disciplined in their religious practice.
The vows of strict nuns are symbolic of their dedication to achieve a union with God. They stand as a sign of the spiritual commitment that a nun has taken to serve the Lord with sincerity and devotion.
| Vow | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Poverty | The nuns must relinquish all ownership of worldly possessions and live in simplicity. |
| Chastity | Nuns must remain celibate and devote their life to spiritual pursuits. |
| Obedience | Nuns must follow all instructions given from their superiors and the teachings of the Church. |
Overall, the vows of strict nuns represent a complete dedication to a life of complete devotion and selflessness. They indicate a commitment to put God and serving him above all other desires and priorities.
Daily Life of Strict Nuns
Strict nuns lead a highly disciplined and regimented daily life, which revolves around spirituality, devotion, and service to the community. They follow a strict routine, which includes:
- Early Morning Rise: Strict nuns wake up before dawn to attend morning prayers and meditation, which can last for several hours.
- Personal Prayer and Reflection: After the morning prayers, nuns spend time in personal prayer and reflection to focus on their spiritual growth and personal development.
- Chores and Service: Regular chores such as cleaning, cooking, gardening, and other tasks are assigned to each nun to maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of the community. Nuns also conduct various forms of community service to help the less fortunate, such as visiting the sick and elderly, volunteering in hospitals, and other acts of charity.
Strict nuns also follow a strict code of conduct, which includes:
- Silence: Nuns are required to observe a strict vow of silence, which means they only speak when necessary, and even then, they speak in a low and orderly tone.
- Modest Dress: Nuns wear modest dresses that cover their bodies from the neck down to the ankles. They also wear head coverings, such as veils or wimples, to symbolize their devotion to God.
- Abstinence and Self-Denial: Nuns abstain from worldly pleasures such as food, drink, and sex. They also practice self-denial, such as fasting and other forms of asceticism, to strengthen their spiritual devotion.
A Typical Day in the Life of a Strict Nun
A typical day in the life of a strict nun can be highly structured and disciplined, as follows:
- 4:00 am: Rise and Morning Prayers
- 6:00 am: Personal Prayer and Reflection
- 7:00 am: Breakfast
- 8:00 am: Chores and Service
- 12:00 pm: Lunch
- 1:00 pm: Personal Time and Study
- 3:00 pm: Chores and Service
- 6:00 pm: Supper
- 7:00 pm: Evening Prayer and Reflection
- 8:00 pm: Bedtime
Strict Nuns’ Diet
Strict nuns adhere to a simple and nutritious diet, which consists of mostly plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains. They avoid meat, spicy foods, and other indulgences that might stimulate their senses and detract from their spiritual discipline. Some strict nun orders also follow specific diets, such as lacto-vegetarian or vegan diets, for ethical or religious reasons.
| Food Groups | Examples |
|---|---|
| Grains and Carbohydrates | Bread, rice, pasta, potatoes |
| Vegetables | Spinach, kale, carrots, broccoli |
| Fruits | Apples, oranges, bananas, grapes |
| Legumes | Lentils, beans, peas |
| Dairy (Optional) | Cheese, yogurt, milk |
Strict nuns’ diet is designed to nourish their bodies and support their spiritual practice. They do not indulge in rich or excessive foods, alcohol, or other substances that might impair their ability to focus on their spiritual service.
Clothing and Attire of Strict Nuns
One of the defining characteristics of strict nuns is their clothing and attire. The clothing worn by nuns varies according to the order they belong to, with some orders adopting more traditional habits while others opting for simpler clothing.
- Veil – All nuns wear a veil as a symbol of their dedication to God. The veil covers their hair and face, leaving only their face visible.
- Outerwear – The outerwear worn by strict nuns is usually a long tunic, which may be black, white, brown, or blue. Some orders also wear a scapular, a long piece of cloth worn over the tunic.
- Undergarments – Nuns wear a white blouse and long skirt as their undergarments. These are usually made of simple, comfortable material such as cotton or linen.
Aside from the standard clothing worn by all nuns, strict orders have specific rules regarding their habits. For example:
- Enclosed Orders – These are orders where the nuns are required to stay within the confines of their convents and are not allowed to go outside, even for religious duties. Women who join these orders wear a black habit, including a hood that covers most of their face.
- Discalced Orders – These are orders where nuns must always go barefoot. These women wear sandals or clogs when outside the convent but must remove them before entering a church. They usually wear a brown or gray habit.
- Active Orders – These are orders where nuns are involved in various missions and work outside the convent. They wear a simple habit, usually black or white, and may wear a veil or a special headdress while working.
It is worth noting that the strictest orders of nuns tend to have more austere clothing. Their habits are simpler in design and often in color, reflecting their commitment to a life of poverty and simplicity. A good example of this is the Carmelite order, whose nuns wear a simple brown habit with a white veil.
| Item | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Veil | A symbol of the nun’s dedication to God |
| Outerwear | A long tunic in black, white, brown, or blue. Some orders wear a scapular too. |
| Undergarments | A white blouse and long skirt made of comfortable material like cotton or linen |
The clothing and attire of strict nuns are a reflection of their devotion to God and commitment to living a simple and austere life. These habits serve as physical reminders of their vows and help to distinguish them as members of religious orders from the rest of society.
Education and Training of Strict Nuns
Education and training are crucial aspects for strict nuns. They undergo a rigorous program to develop their skills and knowledge in various areas such as theology, spirituality, and community service. Here’s a closer look at the education and training of strict nuns:
- Theology: Strict nuns spend a significant amount of time studying scriptures and theological texts. They learn how to interpret the Bible and apply it to their daily lives. They also gain a deep understanding of Catholic doctrines and traditions.
- Spirituality: Nuns are called to live a life of prayer and contemplation. As such, they undergo spiritual training to deepen their spiritual life. They learn various forms of prayer, meditation, and spiritual disciplines.
- Community service: Nuns are committed to serving the community. They learn how to identify the needs of the community and how to provide assistance. They are trained to work in hospitals, schools, and other social institutions.
In addition to the above, strict nuns also undergo training in other areas such as liturgy, pastoral care, and leadership. They learn how to provide spiritual guidance to others and how to lead a spiritual community.
The training of strict nuns is complemented by a strict way of life. They live in a convent or monastery and follow a set of rules and regulations. They lead a simple life, devoid of worldly possessions, and spend their days in prayer and service to others.
| Training Program | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Novitiate | 1-2 years | A period of discernment and initiation into religious life. Novices learn about the spiritual traditions of the order and undergo spiritual formation. |
| Postulancy | 6-12 months | A period of continuing discernment and preparation. Postulants deepen their understanding of the communities they serve. |
| Canonical Year | 1 year | A year of intensive study and reflection. Canonically year prepares nuns for lifelong service in their community. |
The strictest order of nuns follows a highly structured program of education and training. Through this, they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to live a life of service and devotion to God.
Differences Between Strict Nuns and Other Nuns Orders
Strict nuns, also known as cloistered nuns, are women who have devoted their lives to a religious order and live in seclusion from the world. They adhere to a strict and rigorous lifestyle that is different from other nuns orders. Some of the notable differences between strict nuns and other nuns orders are listed below:
- Cloistered lifestyle: Strict nuns live in a cloistered environment, which means that their access to the outside world is very limited. They rarely leave the convent and do not have any interaction with the public, except for family members and close friends. Other nuns orders may have more freedom to travel and interact with the public.
- Prayer and devotion: Strict nuns spend most of their day in prayer and devotion to God. Their primary focus is on their spiritual life, and they dedicate themselves to living a God-centered life. Other nuns orders may also prioritize prayer and devotion, but they may have other duties and responsibilities as well.
- Clothing: Strict nuns wear a traditional habit that covers their entire body and face. The habit is a sign of their dedication to their religious order and their desire to be separate from the secular world. Other nuns orders may also wear a habit, but it may not cover their face or body completely.
- Vows: Strict nuns take solemn vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. These vows reflect their commitment to living a life of service to God and their religious order. Other nuns orders also take vows, but they may not be as strict or solemn as those taken by the strict nuns.
- Community life: Strict nuns live in a community of other nuns who share their dedication to a religious life. They share everything in common and work together to fulfill their duties and responsibilities. Other nuns orders also live in a community, but their lifestyle may be less communal and more individualistic.
- Education and outreach: Strict nuns do not prioritize education or outreach to the public. They focus on their spiritual life and service within their religious order. Other nuns orders may prioritize education and outreach and may have institutions such as schools and hospitals.
- Number of Orders: The number of strict nuns orders is relatively small compared to other nuns orders. This is because the strict nuns order requires a higher level of commitment and dedication than other nuns orders.
Conclusion
The strict nuns order is one of the most rigorous and demanding religious orders in the world. The nuns who join this order are committing themselves to a life of service and devotion to God. While other nuns orders may have some similarities in terms of lifestyle and beliefs, the strict nuns order is unique in its dedication to living a cloistered life and its strict adherence to vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
| Strict Nuns Order | Other Nuns Orders |
| Cloistered lifestyle | More freedom to travel and interact with the public |
| Primary focus on prayer and devotion | May have other duties and responsibilities |
| Traditional habit covering the entire body and face | Habit may not cover the face or body completely |
| Solemn vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience | Vows may not be as strict or solemn |
| Community life with an emphasis on sharing everything in common | Lifestyle may be less communal and more individualistic |
| Do not prioritize education or outreach to the public | May prioritize education and outreach |
| Relatively small in number compared to other nuns orders | More orders compared to the strict nuns orders |
Overall, the strict nuns order provides women with a unique opportunity to dedicate themselves entirely to a religious life. While it may not be for everyone, those who join this order find great fulfillment and satisfaction in living a cloistered life of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
FAQs: What is the Strictest Order of Nuns?
1. What are nuns?
Nuns are women who have devoted their lives to living in religious communities and serving God through prayer, contemplation, and service.
2. What is an order of nuns?
An order of nuns is a specific group of nuns that follows a particular set of religious rules and practices. There are many different orders of nuns within the Catholic Church, each with their own unique traditions and way of life.
3. What is the strictest order of nuns?
The strictest order of nuns is often considered to be the Poor Clare Colettine nuns. They live a life of extreme poverty and isolation from the world, devoting their lives entirely to prayer and contemplation.
4. What is the daily life of a Poor Clare Colettine nun like?
The daily life of a Poor Clare Colettine nun involves spending long hours in prayer and contemplation, doing manual labor to support the community, and living a life of extreme simplicity and poverty.
5. How are the Poor Clare Colettine nuns different from other orders of nuns?
The Poor Clare Colettine nuns are known for their extreme devotion to poverty and their strict adherence to the Rule of St. Clare, which requires them to live a life of simplicity, silence, and prayer.
6. How can someone become a Poor Clare Colettine nun?
To become a Poor Clare Colettine nun, one must be a Catholic woman, in good health, and between the ages of 20 and 35. The process of becoming a nun involves a period of discernment and prayer, followed by a period of at least six months living with the community as a postulant.
7. What is the purpose of the Poor Clare Colettine nuns?
The purpose of the Poor Clare Colettine nuns is to live a life of prayer and contemplation, devoting themselves entirely to God and to the service of others through their prayers.
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