I live in the neighborhood of a Catholic University. This photo was taken on my daily walk through campus. I love the juxtaposition of a nun in the traditional brown habit and black veil of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, using a cell phone. The following excerpts are taking directly from an article posted on the school website.
“Although we’re rather small as religious orders go, we have a very strong connection across the globe, not only with our own sisters, but with the many other religious, priests and lay people with whom we work,” she said. “The blessings of modern technology enhance our ability to share information and stay united.”
“We don’t have other clothes in our closet,” Sister Mary Roberta said. “We’ve never regretted having chosen to maintain a traditional habit. It’s a symbol, a sign of the Church. People know you’re approachable.”
Sister Mary Roberta said it is through a combination of traditional and forward-thinking ways that the sisters live out their charism, while also living out their professions.
“All of our sisters have a master’s degree, if not a doctorate,” she said. “We’re trying to meet the professional world on its own terms and then take it beyond. We feel it’s important to be professionally excellent, so you have credibility when speaking on issues of Church teaching.”
Sister Mary Roberta said with their vow of poverty, Franciscans aren’t used to eating in big fancy dining rooms at galas, but she knows that by being present, they can connect with people.
In my mind, it is rare to find a picture that defines connection better than this. The nun represents traditions that extend from thousands of years ago to the present use of technology.
Living Over The Hill 
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