A Refreshing Change From "Breaking the Habit"...

LCWR: This is just getting embarrassing now...from HERE.

I have never really seen it in the male religious orders - the doing away with religious clothing, I mean.  Just yesterday at Mass, I observed a Franciscan brother in full hood and garb, and it was inspiring as always to see such a thing.  So too, the image of a Bride of Christ in full habit commands respect and inspires devotion in the hearts of the faithful.

What I want to do here is show you, the reader, a glimmer of hope; that is, that traditional, actual, orthodox religious orders are alive and well!  Let's begin:

1.  Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Church - Spokane, Washington

Firstly, they are still wearing habits - striking ones at that.  There seems to be a variance of age here as well, from the older and middle-aged, to the young women in the front.  This would indicate growth (something LCWR-styled orders do not have).  What is especially interesting is that their charism is founded on the Marian teachings of St Louis de Montfort.  A short documentary about them below:

From Here

Passionist Nuns of Whitesville, Kentucky

Again, note that they're wearing habits - makes me think they're not afraid to be a visual statement in the world as to Who they serve.  They are from all age groups, and have postulants.   All interesting things to consider when compared to heterodox, LCWR-style orders.

Sr Rose Marie, from Here

Sr. Rose Marie has some amazing reflections posted here, which are most worthy of perusing.  An excerpt:

"We come to Jesus and Mary in the mystery of their suffering and sorrow in order to learn the true meaning and value of our own sufferings and sorrows. Through standing with them where they are and through uniting our hearts with theirs in this eternal mystery of our redemption, we can experience the beauty and power of the Cross of Christ—which is MERCY, GRACE, and LOVE. What is beautiful in such a thing as the crucifixion of Jesus and the sorrow of Mary, except for the revelation of this divine love and wisdom… so far beyond the wisdom of this world."1 

3.  Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia (the famous "Nashville Dominicans")

I would argue that these wonderful Dominican sisters are in many ways, a particular pride and joy for the Church.  They are young, vibrant, radiant, and orthodox sisters, and they are growing so fast that I've heard they've had a hard time keeping up with the influx of postulants. 

4.  Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration (the famed "Desert Nuns")

Another well-known set of nuns, these Poor Clares are an amazing group.  They were formed by Mother Angelica, the Mother Angelica, and are a shining light in the desert from this writer's point of view.

Again, I would make note of the traditional habit, the variance of age, the signs of growth, and the like.

And lest I forget the faithful male orders of religious, check out these two:

1.  Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate

God bless these amazing men - I'll let this video speak for itself:

2.  Carmelite Monks of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel, Wyoming

These cloistered monks have become almost as famous as the Nashville Dominicans, and ironically enough, because of their insanely delicious, perfectly roasted coffee.  Seriously, there is no better coffee.  

But it is their fidelity to the Church, their unwavering orthodoxy, and days lived out as spiritual flames burning in the mountains that, I believe, bring so many to this particular Carmel.  Like the Nashville Dominicans, I have heard that these young men are having trouble keeping up with the incredible amount of vocations they are getting! 

Order their coffee here if you are interested:  Mystic Monk Coffee

In the meantime, the venerable Fr Z offers an immaculate set of suggestions for reforming all the wierdness that has happened in the past few decades.  In my opinion, they should posted in every parish.  From HERE:

• Stop Communion in the hand
• Kneel for Communion
• Reintroduce ad orientem worship
• Reintroduce Latin and Gregorian chant and polyphony
• Reintroduce male only service at the altar
• Reintroduce the 3 hour Eucharistic fast
• Fix down the timing of Holy Days of Obligation
• Stress the need for the Sacrament of Penance
• Stress the culture of the “Sunday Best” for Sunday Mass attendance
• Increase Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and other traditional devotions

Though I don't care so much about female altar servers, the rest I give a massive AMEN to.

 

1 - "At the Cross with Mary"