Cloistered Questions
Posted by Lisa Hendey in Faith on Friday, April 09, 2010 10:00 AM
I recently had lunch with an acquaintance who is discerning a vocation to the priesthood. Part of our conversation related to his mother’s reaction to his potential future. Our chat was closely followed by my receipt of the following email inquiry:
My daughter recently entered Carmel, so she is cloistered and we only hear from her once a month. I am finding it very hard to adjust to this and am becoming depressed. I am very happy with her choosing to enter the religious life, but it is very hard to, in a manner of speaking, lose my daughter. Is there anyone at your website who has experienced a child going into the convent and would that person be willing to talk to me? I would really like to find someone who has experienced this kind of change to their family.
As I find myself faced with the prospect of my beloved eldest preparing to move across the country for college, I can definitely relate to the pain of separation present in this mother’s note to me. I know that were I in her situation, I would likely face a mixed bag of emotions. I would feel tremendous pride in my child and awe at her response to God’s calling. And yet there would perhaps too be this great sense of loss, of physical separation coupled with a necessary emotional detachment.
I would love to hear your thoughts and encouragement for this wonderful mom. Please join me in praying for her, for the daughter she loves so dearly who has bravely said yes to God’s invitation, and for other families in similar times of transition. Also, if you are aware of any practical advice or support for this mom, please share that as well.
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