In a world that often values material success, a small but steadfast number of young women in the United States are embracing the radical life of religious devotion. Among them is 24-year-old Zoey Stapleton, whose decision to become a nun reflects both personal conviction and the evolving dynamics of modern religious life.
Raised in a devout Catholic family in Pennsylvania, Stapleton initially resisted the idea of religious life. Yet, during a pivotal evening walk along a darkened hiking trail, she mustered the courage to share her calling with her parents. Their eventual support deepened their own faith as they watched their daughter embark on this extraordinary journey.
Stapleton, a graduate of Franciscan University in Ohio, recently became a postulant with the Franciscan Sisters, T.O.R. of Penance of the Sorrowful Mother. Joining a community of active and athletic sisters, she found joy in a lifestyle that blends spiritual devotion with modern activities like soccer and ultimate Frisbee.
“I think it connected with that part of me wanting to express how much I love the Lord,” Stapleton shared, reflecting on the freedom and joy she discovered within her new community.
A Declining Tradition
Stapleton’s path is one less traveled by her peers. The number of nuns in the U.S. has declined sharply over the decades, from a peak of 178,740 in 1965 to just under 40,000 today. Only a fraction of these women are under 30, and about half of those who begin the journey complete the long process of final vows.
This year, Pope Francis called for prayers for an increase in religious vocations, acknowledging the challenges facing Catholic religious life globally.
Despite these trends, some communities, like the Franciscan Sisters, T.O.R., and the Sisters of Life, are experiencing growth, attracting younger women through their vibrant spirituality and commitment to mission.
Sacrifice and Simplicity
For many, the decision to enter religious life requires profound sacrifices. Prospective nuns relinquish worldly possessions, embrace poverty, and adopt modest habits that symbolize their dedication to Christ. For Stapleton, this also meant leaving behind her sense of fashion.
“I’m a big pro-habit girl,” she said. “You’re supposed to be a sign of contradiction in the world.”
Financial barriers, like student loan debt, also pose challenges. Organizations such as the Labouré Society help aspiring nuns eliminate debt, allowing them to pursue their vocations without financial constraints.
Finding Fulfillment in Service
For others, like 30-year-old Sister Seyram Mary Adzokpa, the journey to religious life brought unexpected joy and purpose. A nurse by training, Sister Seyram joined the Sisters of the Holy Family in New Orleans during the pandemic.
“I truly find it God’s grace that I’m able to not feel isolated, even though the age gap is tremendous,” she said.
Living among older nuns, Sister Seyram applies her nursing skills in service to her community, tending to elderly sisters and engaging in moments of shared joy, from picking figs to swimming in the convent pool.
“The joy is undeniable,” she said, her ever-present smile a testament to her faith. “I made a deal with Jesus. I said, ‘If this joy, if this smile starts to dissipate, I don’t know if I’m going to continue here.’ And he has been faithful.”
A Future Rooted in Hope
As communities like the Franciscan Sisters and Sisters of the Holy Family continue to inspire vocations, they highlight the enduring appeal of a life rooted in faith, service, and intergenerational connection.
Whether through prayer, ministry, or moments of everyday fellowship, these women find purpose in a calling that defies modern conventions but remains deeply fulfilling. For Zoey Stapleton and Sister Seyram, their paths represent not just personal devotion but a testament to the enduring vibrancy of Catholic religious life.
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