Hélène, that's a beautiful and powerful comment. Your story about your aunt and her order is incredible. It speaks to a kind of spiritual integrity. The fact that they chose to remain a spiritual community even when invited back is a testament to their strength and devotion.
The cruelty that some children faced shows that sometimes for every story of enlightenment and peace, there can be a story of abuse.
Thank you for sharing such a personal and moving reflection Hélène

Comment is about TWO NUNS ON A BUS (blog)

Original item by Naomi

Uilleam, what a profound difference in experiences.
It's wonderful that your family has those fond memories, and it sounds like a truly serene environment.
It's heartbreaking to hear about the suffering others endured.

Comment is about TWO NUNS ON A BUS (blog)

Original item by Naomi

I love this poem Naomi. I was washed in peace as I read it. My late aunt was a nun in Southern California, USA. She and her order of nuns were so wonderful and enlightened that the Catholic church couldn't handle them in the 1960's; they were de-canonized (not recognized by Rome) for quite some years, & when Rome finally liberalized & invited them back in to good standing, they respectfully declined & remained simply a spiritual Catholic community. My aunt was a calm, wise, beloved teacher at an all-girls Catholic high school. (Like Uilleam, I too was taught by nuns & I heard of some who were cruelly abusive to kids who did not tow the line.) Thanks Naomi for sharing this wonderful poem!

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Original item by Naomi

My mother, who spoke fondly of them, and myself up to about the age of 5, were schooled by nuns-a peaceful and contemplative kind of life, I seem to remember. Whilst other children suffered at the hands of what I can only describe as psychopaths.

Comment is about TWO NUNS ON A BUS (blog)

Original item by Naomi