A Special Class for Female Nuns
The morning air was crisp as Maria walked through the quiet halls of the church, making her way toward the special class that had been announced the day before. This was a unique session, meant only for the female nuns-in-training, focusing on their personal and ethical concerns. The announcement had piqued Maria's curiosity—this wasn't the usual theological or doctrinal class. Instead, it was about the struggles and challenges that nuns faced in their daily lives, both within and outside the religious institution.
As she entered the room, she saw a group of young women, all dressed in their modest habits, seated attentively in the semicircle of wooden chairs. At the front of the room stood Sister Rose Francis, a woman in her late forties with kind but firm eyes, her graying hair tucked neatly under her white coif. She had a reputation for being both wise and practical, someone who addressed real-life concerns without sugarcoating the truth.
Maria took a seat beside Catherine, who offered her a reassuring smile.
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Beginning of the Lecture
Sister Rose Francis cleared her throat and looked at the gathered students with a warm but serious expression.
Sister Rose Francis:
"My dear sisters, today's session is different from our usual theological discussions. We are here to talk about the personal and ethical challenges we face as women who have dedicated our lives to God. Some of these challenges are deeply personal, others come from society, and some even from within our own beliefs. But all of them are part of our journey."
She paused, letting her words settle in.
Sister Rose Francis:
"Let's start with something that is often whispered about but rarely discussed openly—menstruation. As women, we all experience it, yet many traditions, including Christianity, have historically viewed it as something impure or even shameful. Why do you think that is?"
A silence fell over the room. The women exchanged glances, uncertain whether to speak. Finally, Maria raised her hand.
Maria:
"Perhaps because in many ancient cultures, menstruation was linked to impurity. Even in the Old Testament, there are passages in Leviticus that describe a menstruating woman as unclean and unfit to enter sacred places."
Sister Rose nodded approvingly.
Sister Rose Francis:
"Exactly, Maria. Leviticus 15:19 says, 'When a woman has her regular flow of blood, the impurity of her monthly period will last seven days, and anyone who touches her will be unclean until evening.' This teaching influenced Christian practices for centuries. Even today, in some cultures, women are discouraged from participating in religious activities during their cycle. But let me ask you—do you believe that a natural bodily function, created by God, can truly be impure?"
The question lingered in the air. A young nun named Teresa spoke up hesitantly.
Teresa:
"I don't think so, Sister. It's a biological process. But if it's written in the Bible, then shouldn't we follow it?"
Sister Rose Francis:
"That's an important point, Teresa. The Bible's teachings must be understood in context. During ancient times, these laws served a purpose—mainly for hygiene and health. But as the Church evolved, so did our understanding of them. Today, most Christian denominations do not consider menstruation a spiritual impurity. Instead, it is seen as part of a woman's life, something natural and even a sign of the body's ability to bring forth life."
Maria, emboldened by the discussion, added another thought.
Maria:
"In Islam, menstruation is also acknowledged, but with a different approach. Women are exempt from prayers and fasting during their cycle, not because they are impure, but as a mercy from God. It's seen as a time for rest."
Some of the nuns murmured among themselves. Catherine leaned closer to Maria, whispering, "You're always finding connections between Islam and Christianity, aren't you?" Maria smiled but remained focused on the discussion.
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Duties of Nuns Toward People
Sister Rose Francis moved to the next topic.
Sister Rose Francis:
"Now, let's talk about our duties as nuns toward the people around us. As women of God, we are expected to be pillars of strength, sources of knowledge, and examples of humility. But what happens when people question us? When they mock our faith? When they treat us poorly?"
A nun named Judith spoke up.
Judith:
"I think we're supposed to show patience and kindness, no matter what."
Sister Rose smiled.
Sister Rose Francis:
"Yes, but it's not always easy, is it? The world is not kind to those who dedicate their lives to faith. People will call us outdated, say we are wasting our youth, or that we should live a 'normal' life. Some will even challenge our beliefs outright. How do we respond?"
Catherine, who had remained quiet until now, spoke up.
Catherine:
"We should respond with wisdom, not anger. Jesus himself faced opposition, yet he never retaliated with hatred."
Sister Rose Francis:
"That's absolutely right, Catherine. When we are challenged, we must remember that our role is not to argue, but to guide. However, we must also be prepared. We should know our faith well enough to answer questions confidently. That is why our studies are so important."
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Spreading Knowledge to Women
Sister Rose turned to another important topic.
Sister Rose Francis:
"One of our key responsibilities as nuns is to educate and guide women—especially those who face struggles in their lives. Many come to us seeking comfort, advice, and strength. What do you think are the most common struggles women face today?"
A few hands went up.
Emily:
"Loneliness. Many women, especially those who are widowed or abandoned, have no support system."
Teresa:
"Lack of education. Some women don't have access to knowledge about their rights or even about their own health."
Maria:
"Spiritual confusion. Many women feel lost between modernity and tradition, not knowing how to balance faith with the demands of the world."
Sister Rose nodded thoughtfully.
Sister Rose Francis:
"All of these are true. And that is where our duty lies. We must be the ones to offer them a safe space, to educate them, to help them grow in faith and knowledge. We are not just caretakers of the Church—we are caretakers of people's hearts and minds."
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Closing the Session
The class had been intense, covering deeply personal and ethical matters. As the session wrapped up, Sister Rose Francis looked at her students with pride.
Sister Rose Francis:
"I hope today's discussion has given you all something to reflect on. Being a nun is not just about devotion; it is about service, wisdom, and resilience. As you continue your journey, remember that your struggles are part of your strength, and your faith is your greatest gift."
She smiled warmly.
Sister Rose Francis:
"You are the future of this Church. Carry your faith with grace, and always remember—God chose you for a reason."
As the students left the room, Maria felt a strange mix of emotions. She was learning more each day, but she also felt that the more she learned, the more questions she had. She walked alongside Catherine, both of them lost in thought.
Catherine: (softly)
"That was quite a class, wasn't it?"
Maria: (nodding)
"Yes. It made me think about a lot of things… about faith, about duty, and about what it truly means to serve God."
The bells of the church rang in the distance, marking the noon prayer. Maria took a deep breath and whispered to herself, "May God guide me to the truth."