The newly founded monastery used to be an old primary school.
It was situated in a little Chinese village.
Isolated, remote, and forty five minutes drive from the city.
I found myself wondering if I could stand it being so remote.
Being so remote meant it would be removed from central activities of the Churches.
The monastery I came from was situated in a large town.
As a result, we were very involved with everything going on,
From parishioners who came asking for prayers or religious people coming to visit us.
All that got us very involved with the community.
But as is the case, when one has to, one acclimatized.
The community was young and vibrant.
It was mainly founded by the two nuns, Sister Katherine and Sister Margaret.
Both were very good dedicated nuns.
The differences between the two communities were very marked and stark.
This new community indeed followed Vatican Second and was no less genuine.
If anything, it held a very healthy environment.
The community operated like an office.
There were the heads, addressed as sisters like the others.
Each sister is entrusted with an office.
And is trusted to run the office per her own discretion.
The community I came from resembled more of a family.
The four mothers held all the power.
We had chapters to discuss issues but we all knew decisions had already been made by the four mothers.
With this modern community, needless to say, there were no penances of discipline and chains.
No kneeling to kiss the hem of the mothers
No prostration when admonished, laying head to the ground in a prone position until bidden to rise.
The Novices did not need permission to drink water
The community believed in educating the young nuns.
The novices had classes.
While at the monastery I came from, pursuing knowledge was frown on and deemed dangerous.
Would I have persevered had I entered there in the first place?
I might but again I might not.
At any rate, it was too late for me.
I went there, wounded and conflicted, mistrustful of superiors.
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