While I was discerning my vocation, I attended several vocation weekends, seminars, and discussion groups designed to help young women find the religious community to which God called them.  All of the women I met, both younger and older vocations, desired communities that wear the habit.  Each shared the desire of giving oneself completely to Jesus and, thus, "putting on" Christ every day.

 

What better expression is there of who we are as the Spouses of Christ than the holy habit?  The professed sisters in my cloistered contemplative community each wear their habit with great love and reverence for Jesus; it is as much a part of them as their rosary, their veil, and their wedding band.  The habit is a reflection of the Vow of Poverty and allows for uncluttered attention to be given to Jesus; there is certainly no spare time in the monastic life to be given to coordinating a daily wardrobe!  The habit is also a symbol of withdrawal from the world and detachment from worldly possessions.

 

In the active orders, the habit acts as a very powerful and necessary witness of God's presence in today's world.  Speaking from my own experience, it is very reassuring to see religious out and about in our communities proudly wearing the habit.  And what an encouragement for young people thinking about a vocation to religious life!

 

That is why, to me, as to many of my contemporaries entering religious life, the habit signifies something much more than a garment of choice--it is a testimonial to a life consecrated to God.

 

HABIT ARTICLE:

 

QUOTES:

 

Cloistered Cistercian Nun: "Oh, I love my habit!  I can't imagine religious life without it!"