We are honored that you are visiting our web site. Being a unique vocational organization promoting cloistered nuns (and monks in the future), we are always striving to find new ways to spread our message about the beauty of the contemplative life. This web site allows us to reach people we may never have been able to contact before.
Please use this site to access the information you need about the cloisters and as a resource for broadening your faith. On our site, you will find a listing of American cloisters; an abbreviated list of international cloisters (more coming--please stay tuned); and a page listing monasteries who offer cloistered retreats. Additional pages planned for the future include monastic tours, and links for purchasing contemplative-themed books and videos.
The HOLY HABIT page has been updated with a couple of articles regarding the habit. Many discerners are being misled by some who think that a religious community "updated" to the point of secular clothing is acceptable. According to Canon Law 669, such is incorrect. The church has specifically stated she wants her priests and religious to dress appropriately (in habitum). We also agree with the postulant who wrote the passage--every discerner we've ever met wants to wear a habit (and in some cases, the Pre-Vatican II version!).
We do realize that some communities were founded without distinctive habits. However, our sources relate that some of those communities are working hard to adapt a habit. We recommend that if a discerner is attracted to a community who as of yet is "unhabited" to please inform the sisters of your desire. Such communication may facilitate change.
Check out the new HABITRY page--we have found three habit makers on the Internet.
A DISCERNER'S PAGE is available. If you can think of any other links to put on it, please let us know.
DISCERNMENT FORUMS is a new page which lists two such forums.
We have a link to the CONVENT OF DIVINE LOVE ADORATION WEBCAM, so you can come to our site, click the link, and adore Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.
We received word that the INSTITUTE OF DIVINE MERCY in Dallas, Texas, was suppressed due to lack of vocations! However. . .
Check out our SOLC FOUNDATIONS--new religious communities to eventually be founded by Gemma--and we've added a page for the AMERICAN CONGREGATION OF THE HIDDEN DISCIPLES OF DIVINE MERCY.
According to our sources, the original Congregation of the Most Holy Lord Jesus Christ, Merciful Redeemer, in Poland still exists (address on International Cloisters page), but the average age of the nuns is rising. We feel that the Divine Mercy needs to be promoted, though, and so are willing to bring together an American congregation.
From what we can tell, Gemma will be striving to establish 29 new Ecclesia Dei Traditionalist religious communities. Read all about them on the SOLC Foundations page!
We do have one committed aspirant for the Gilbertine Renewal nuns!
Gemma has started a WEBLOG to not only chronicle what she's doing to establish the new communities, but also share her spirituality with others. Please click the link below Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Enthroned.
Please take a few minutes to sign our GUESTBOOK.
Discerners: the MESSAGE BOARD is looking for a few new friends!
PLEASE NOTE: The Nuns of Our Lady of the Cloister are a community being "started from scratch." We do have one committed aspirant, but no formal training has begun. Please see the Cloisterite nuns' page for a more in-depth explanation.
We look forward to hearing from you and answering any questions you might have. Thank you, and God bless you!
