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What are some impediments to becoming a nun?

Monique asks:

What are some impediments to becoming a nun?  I know that serious physical or mental problems can be impediments, but what else could be an impediment?  Previous sins, a criminal record from the past, recovering from an addiction, etc.; would these things be considered impediments?

Bear in mind that there are some general impediments that apply to all religious orders (a validly married person cannot become a nun while her husband is still living, for example), and there are others that apply to individual orders and generally have to do with the particular apostolate that they do and other considerations (age limits in some orders, for example).

The points you mention in your note and others are all possible impediments, and in most cases acceptance or not into a religious order will depend upon the circumstances and gravity of the faults, the time elapsed since they were overcome, and the nature and work of each particular order. So, the way to go is to be open with the vocation director of the group you are interested in.

Remember that Gods forgiveness is always there for us to go to. Even if past faults turn out to be an impediment for a vocation, it doesnt mean that God has nothing for us to do. His mercy is the greatest reality in our lives. No matter what the past, we can always tackle the future and turn our life into a hymn of praise to Gods mercy. Each of us as Christians have to be the living proof of the power of Gods grace to raise up our fallen nature, instilling in us a new spirit, making us live not for ourselves but for him, wherever he wants us.

God bless.

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