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Dedicated to God: An Oral History of Cloistered Nuns
As a subculture, cloistered monastic nuns live hidden from public view by choice. Once a woman joins the cloister and makes final vows, she is almost never seen and her voice is not heard; her story is essentially nonexistent in the historical record and collective, public history.
From interviews conducted over six years, Abbie Reese tells the stories of the Poor Clare Colettine Order, a cloistered contemplative order at the Corpus Christi Monastery in Rockford, Illinois. Seldom leaving their 25,000-square-foot gated enclosure, members of this community embrace an extreme version of poverty and anonymity - a separation that enables them to withdraw from the world to devote their lives to prayer. This removal, they contend, allows them to have a greater impact on humanity than if they maintained direct contact with loved ones and strangers.
Dedicated to God explores individual and cultural identity through oral history interviews with several generations of nuns, focusing on the origins and life stories of the women who have chosen to become members of one of the strictest religious orders. But the narrative is also one of a collective memory and struggle against extinction and modernity, a determination to create community within the framework of ancient rules.
The author's stunning photographs of their dual worlds, religious and quotidian, add texture to the narrative.
This artistic and ethnographic work highlights the countercultural values and dedication of individuals who, at incredible personal cost, live for love of God and humanity, out of faith in what cannot be seen, and with the belief that they will be rewarded in the afterlife.
From interviews conducted over six years, Abbie Reese tells the stories of the Poor Clare Colettine Order, a cloistered contemplative order at the Corpus Christi Monastery in Rockford, Illinois. Seldom leaving their 25,000-square-foot gated enclosure, members of this community embrace an extreme version of poverty and anonymity - a separation that enables them to withdraw from the world to devote their lives to prayer. This removal, they contend, allows them to have a greater impact on humanity than if they maintained direct contact with loved ones and strangers.
Dedicated to God explores individual and cultural identity through oral history interviews with several generations of nuns, focusing on the origins and life stories of the women who have chosen to become members of one of the strictest religious orders. But the narrative is also one of a collective memory and struggle against extinction and modernity, a determination to create community within the framework of ancient rules.
The author's stunning photographs of their dual worlds, religious and quotidian, add texture to the narrative.
This artistic and ethnographic work highlights the countercultural values and dedication of individuals who, at incredible personal cost, live for love of God and humanity, out of faith in what cannot be seen, and with the belief that they will be rewarded in the afterlife.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published November 13, 2013
15 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
About the author
Abbie Reese
1 book12 followersAbbie Reese is an independent scholar and an interdisciplinary artist. In her relationship- and research-based practice, she utilizes oral history and ethnographic methodologies to explore individual and cultural identity, public and private performances, and the liminal state as one transitions social roles. Abbie received a Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts from the University of Chicago and she was a Fellow at the Columbia University Oral History Research Office Summer Institute. She has traveled approximately 40 countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 22, 2015
Abbie Reese tells the story of the Poor Clare Collettine nuns of Corpus Christi monastery (in my hometown of Rockford, Illinois) in their own words. Except for my moment of irritation at her unfortunate (and false) reduction of the surrounding area to little more than "a high crime urban area," I thoroughly enjoyed this intimate portrait of the unseen world of the cloister. Reese dispels the notion of the cloistered nun as a quirky recluse and puts in its place a vibrant mosaic of women with different backgrounds, opinions, and interests, unified by a very special call to a deep personal relationship with God in contemplative prayer and simple work. Reese introduces us to some of the startling features of Poor Clare life, for instance the golden bars separating a sister from any visitor she may receive, preventing her from touching even family who come to visit, but in Reese's sensitive approach, she allows the sisters to gently remind us that the bars are not there to keep them in, but to keep the distractions of the world out. The book introduces us to a unique and intense way of living and praying, to be sure, but if we have the patience to set aside our own judgments and listen closely to the sisters of Corpus Christi monastery, their words give us a glimpse of a profound joy born of a life of silence and focus on that which is eternal, unchangeable, indescribable, and even inconceivable.
May 3, 2014
Awareness of this book came to me from an unusual direction. An aunt heard of it and contacted me before it was released to ask me to look for it. It seemed like an odd request, but I requested iit at my library and eventually it turned up on my shelf. Although somewhat a departure from my standard reading choices, I set everything aside and spent the last week, yes, it took me a week to read, slowly taking in the lives of each of the nuns who chose to participate in this project.
This book resonated with me. Growing up driving past the walls of the Corpus Christi Convent on a daily basis and wondering about what went on within the walls, even struggling with a very young wave of disappointment that as a child from a non-catholic family, because despite the draw of the place, I believed that it was forever off limits, and Reese's work helped dispell the mystery and the myth surrounding the cloister. Who would have known that there were converts that went on to join the order? Somehow that seemed so counterintuitive to me. In an increasingly secular world, I thin it is important that Ms. Reese went into the cloister and recorded these women's stories. They need to be documented for history, and perhaps to find their way into the hands of those who may be called but may not know that there still exists an outlet for that calling.
I appreciated the straightforward and non-sensational approach Reese took to recounting the stories of the Sisters at the Poor Clare's Convent, writing with respect for their word choices and subculture.
In terms of readability, there are points of redundancy where large quotes, paragraphs, or anecdotes are reused throughout the work, which can be disorienting without textual cues that it is previously mentioned information. Otherwise I found Dedicated to God: An Oral History of Cloistered Nuns to be an easy and conversational read that deals with theology and sociology without becoming preachy or confusing. I enjoyed reading it and found the calm pace and tone a relaxing oasis amid the stressors of the last few days. While fighting with a nasty (and not yet resolved) attempt to restore my laptop and re-upgrade to 8.1, finishing this book has helped me keep my blood pressure from skyrocketing too much.
I feel compelled to recommend this book to a diverse group of people. I want to put it in the hands of many of my friends, partiicular those who may benefit from reading a reminder of those who believe so strongly in the power of prayer. While they'd likely look at me a little oddly "hey, why is my atheist friengiving me this?" I feel like it's worth their time. It was certainly worth mine.
This book resonated with me. Growing up driving past the walls of the Corpus Christi Convent on a daily basis and wondering about what went on within the walls, even struggling with a very young wave of disappointment that as a child from a non-catholic family, because despite the draw of the place, I believed that it was forever off limits, and Reese's work helped dispell the mystery and the myth surrounding the cloister. Who would have known that there were converts that went on to join the order? Somehow that seemed so counterintuitive to me. In an increasingly secular world, I thin it is important that Ms. Reese went into the cloister and recorded these women's stories. They need to be documented for history, and perhaps to find their way into the hands of those who may be called but may not know that there still exists an outlet for that calling.
I appreciated the straightforward and non-sensational approach Reese took to recounting the stories of the Sisters at the Poor Clare's Convent, writing with respect for their word choices and subculture.
In terms of readability, there are points of redundancy where large quotes, paragraphs, or anecdotes are reused throughout the work, which can be disorienting without textual cues that it is previously mentioned information. Otherwise I found Dedicated to God: An Oral History of Cloistered Nuns to be an easy and conversational read that deals with theology and sociology without becoming preachy or confusing. I enjoyed reading it and found the calm pace and tone a relaxing oasis amid the stressors of the last few days. While fighting with a nasty (and not yet resolved) attempt to restore my laptop and re-upgrade to 8.1, finishing this book has helped me keep my blood pressure from skyrocketing too much.
I feel compelled to recommend this book to a diverse group of people. I want to put it in the hands of many of my friends, partiicular those who may benefit from reading a reminder of those who believe so strongly in the power of prayer. While they'd likely look at me a little oddly "hey, why is my atheist friengiving me this?" I feel like it's worth their time. It was certainly worth mine.
August 29, 2014
The stories were told in a very interesting fashion. Even if some things were repeated several times over and over again it wasn't boring-that's just how narrative went-and it was interesting to see how each nun said basically the same thing in slightly different words. But sometimes they diverged, and that was even more entertaining, to see how a single community can have a radically different visions on God, and life, and their role in it. Some of these worldviews were pretty shallow, some were pretty wise. All in all, I found myself having a lot of fun with this book, and it gave me, if nothing else, a bit of inspiration to carry on in my secular life.
However, as interesting as the book is, I can't beat the feeling that it could have been much, much better in hands of a more competent author. Given how many years it took her to collect this much, I dare say she was slacking off. She could have collected far more info-and maybe from several different monasteries, too. Perhaps, being an "independent researcher" she simply didn't have the incentives....
Oh, and the photos were sorta random, far too few and most lacked description.
However, as interesting as the book is, I can't beat the feeling that it could have been much, much better in hands of a more competent author. Given how many years it took her to collect this much, I dare say she was slacking off. She could have collected far more info-and maybe from several different monasteries, too. Perhaps, being an "independent researcher" she simply didn't have the incentives....
Oh, and the photos were sorta random, far too few and most lacked description.
May 8, 2019
I like enthnography and oral history, and I think this is an excellent contribution to those areas. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in closed communities, women's lives and life choices and religious life. Reese's photos from inside the cloister add interest to the book. I can hardly wait for the companion movie, "Chosen," which is in early stages of production. (Learn more at the website -- http://www.chosenthefilm.com)
October 4, 2017
The feeling of this book was like moving in to ants nest - exploring microcosm. The lecture is inspirational and uplifting. Although I completely disagree with concept of being married to Jesus Christ, the book helped me to understand the ideology behind Catholic nuns and cloisters. For some reason the book has cathartic and spiritual effect. I enjoyed reading it, but agree that it is not a reading for everybody.
August 18, 2020
Um livro muito delicado e bonito sobre a vida de Clarisas de clausura em um mosteiro nos EUA. Ajuda leigos, solteiros ou casados, sacerdotes ou virgens a entender a vocação religiosa.
Tratando-se de história oral, a autora recolhe, sem interferir, com o depoimento de diversas monjas. Estas contam sua vida pregressa no mundo, sua visão da fé, sentido da vida, relacionamento com as outras monjas, rotina de oração e trabalho, etc. Muito recomendável.
Tratando-se de história oral, a autora recolhe, sem interferir, com o depoimento de diversas monjas. Estas contam sua vida pregressa no mundo, sua visão da fé, sentido da vida, relacionamento com as outras monjas, rotina de oração e trabalho, etc. Muito recomendável.
March 5, 2017
An oral history is the perfect format for this excellent book on cloistered nuns. Only the words of those who live this life could give such a feeling of honesty and intimacy. This book opened up a different world for me.
December 20, 2018
Despite not being religious myself (but spiritual indeed), I have always been fascinated and deeply intrigued by people / communities who live apart from the world- be it Catholic nuns, Buddhist monks, the Amish, prison inmates serving life sentences, families who move off the grid and live off the land or any other person or community who leaves the mainstream world behind.
I was utterly captivated by the personal stories in this book and the way the nuns shared what their lives had been before entering the monastery, what thoughts and frustrations and trials it meant to them to say “yes” to the call, their perception of spirituality and God and how they interpret their lives- and ours. Some parts really resonated within me and other parts were so far from my own ideas of “God” that I could hardly wrap my brain around it and this all made for a very interesting read.
The book focuses on the nuns receiving and responding to the call to cloistered life, so there is only very little about their daily life or any issues related to daily life in the cloister. The few times it is mentioned is in a fairly superficial manner- “yes I gave up having a family”, where I would have liked to have known more about how the nuns deal with things like doubt (especially among those already professed), trials of living so closely in community (how are conflicts resolved), how they deal with sexuality, how they deal with people wanting to leave and how friendships are handled (is there still this idea of having to avoid particular friendships and avoiding bonding too much with each other).
I would have loved to have known much more about their daily way of life, the part outside of prayer, how they organise work, what they talk about and do at recreation, how responsibilities are distributed and especially what it is like to join for a new postulant- what were the most difficult things to get used to etc. These are only touched on very briefly throughout the book.
I would love for Abbie to write a second book with focus on the daily, practical life of the nuns. She must have tons of material from her research for this book that she could use :)
I was utterly captivated by the personal stories in this book and the way the nuns shared what their lives had been before entering the monastery, what thoughts and frustrations and trials it meant to them to say “yes” to the call, their perception of spirituality and God and how they interpret their lives- and ours. Some parts really resonated within me and other parts were so far from my own ideas of “God” that I could hardly wrap my brain around it and this all made for a very interesting read.
The book focuses on the nuns receiving and responding to the call to cloistered life, so there is only very little about their daily life or any issues related to daily life in the cloister. The few times it is mentioned is in a fairly superficial manner- “yes I gave up having a family”, where I would have liked to have known more about how the nuns deal with things like doubt (especially among those already professed), trials of living so closely in community (how are conflicts resolved), how they deal with sexuality, how they deal with people wanting to leave and how friendships are handled (is there still this idea of having to avoid particular friendships and avoiding bonding too much with each other).
I would have loved to have known much more about their daily way of life, the part outside of prayer, how they organise work, what they talk about and do at recreation, how responsibilities are distributed and especially what it is like to join for a new postulant- what were the most difficult things to get used to etc. These are only touched on very briefly throughout the book.
I would love for Abbie to write a second book with focus on the daily, practical life of the nuns. She must have tons of material from her research for this book that she could use :)
January 28, 2021
I put Dedicated to God An Oral History of Cloistered Nuns on my list of “to read” books after hearing an interview with the author, Abbie Reese, on NPR. It is one of the books in the Oxford Oral History series. Reese, although not Catholic, conducted interviews of the Poor Clare Colettine Order in Rockford, Illinois. The interviews developed slowly over a period of years between 2005 and 2011, as Reese gained the trust of the cloistered nuns. The book includes the interviews, photos and descriptions of daily monastic life, which is actually quite unusual and not usually allowed. It was interesting to read this book at a time when we are all experiencing a more isolated lifestyle due to pandemic lockdowns and quarantines. In addition to the differences between the secular and sacred activities, the Poor Clare nuns choose to leave their normal lives to live in cloistered isolation, while most of us in 2020 have experienced imposed isolation. Dedicated to God is the first oral history that I’ve read. Like Reese, I am not Catholic, but I found the book to be interesting. I’m definitely going to look into other oral histories. I enjoyed reading the “her-story” of real women in their own words.
October 9, 2019
I read about this book, which is why I wanted to read it. It was wonderful. Not often do we get to learn the "why" of anyone's choice, let alone something as extraordinary as deciding to spend one's life in a Cloister! The book was near to perfect, and only absolutely perfect because it was entirely positive, with no negative points at all with regard to the life. But then again I suppose that was the point; these women have made a firm choice and they stick by it. I also think this is the rare book in which photographs do not seem absurdly out of place. Candid pictures of women normally shut away from the world shed enormous light on the reality of their not being "other worldly" at all, just women who have made that firm choice. All in all, DEDICATED TO GOD was an excellent book.
November 9, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! I was fascinated by how many different ways women were called to the cloisered life. I love Reese's history as a former journalist and using those skills in a new one. It was also interesting to hear the nun's theologies on suffering and how they offered up their discomfort and pain for others. The Catholic theology of evangelism is very different than the Protestant one and this book was so insightful, and at times, took my breath away.
February 21, 2017
This collection of oral histories of Poor Clare Colletine Nuns from Rockford, IL unfortunately is banal and targeted for an naive popular audience. The issues covered, primarily the "call" and "response" to religious life, are treated in a traditional bromidic fashion, calling for no more sophistication than a Catholic grade school student possess.
Any substantive issue, like say, the years of doubt many religious suffer, the sexuality of the convent, the decision to leave, the struggle of community, the handling of 'particular' friendships, the creep of modernity, or the prevalence of loneliness are completely absent. There is no adult discussion of what must be the issues that dominate the lives of these nuns.
This is little more than an advertising brochure for contemplative religious life. Make no mistake, I highly value the work of active and contemplative nuns, but this volume does not illuminate any of the really interesting issues.
Any substantive issue, like say, the years of doubt many religious suffer, the sexuality of the convent, the decision to leave, the struggle of community, the handling of 'particular' friendships, the creep of modernity, or the prevalence of loneliness are completely absent. There is no adult discussion of what must be the issues that dominate the lives of these nuns.
This is little more than an advertising brochure for contemplative religious life. Make no mistake, I highly value the work of active and contemplative nuns, but this volume does not illuminate any of the really interesting issues.
August 24, 2014
The Call from God, Life in a monastery and Threats of the cloistered life of nuns of Pure Clare Colettine http://www.cloisteredlife.com/poor-cl.... These excerpts meant the most to me.
According to the treatise Verbi Sponsa: Instruction on the Contemplative Life and on the Enclosure of Nuns, a publication that is given to all Poor Clare postulants when they enter the Corpus Christi Monastery as part of their formation, a cloistered contemplative yearns for “fulfillment in God, in an uninterrupted nostalgia of the heart,” and with “monastic recollection” that enables a constant focus on the presence of God, her “journey slows down and the final destination disappears from view.”
‘Idealism and Reality’ is one of the Threats. “Not everyone—not even all the monastic nuns at the Corpus Christi Monastery—believe that idealism and a full acceptance of reality can be reconciled… Sister Mary Nicolette does not place the two concepts on opposite ends of a spectrum or regard them as mutually exclusive, “because I really believe that the reality is the vehicle that leads us to the ideal. I don’t believe that being idealistic is being unrealistic. I wed them together. I believe that the reality that we live should be such that we’re growing toward the ideal and that the ideal is something that can be reached.”
Do you know what I mean by grateful prayer? Grateful for all that God has done for us and grateful for all the people that have supported our life. We owe so much for our friends and benefactors; they support our life and so I feel so much gratefulness for them. I feel like I really have to pray for them, remember them every day in my prayers for their needs, but also so they know God and grow closer to Him.”
Several years passed. Less that a year remained before she was to make final vows as a Marian sister. “It was a sense of this ins’t fitting,” she says of the other religious community. “Saint Augustine says, ‘Our hearts are restless until they rest in you, my God.’ And it’s that way; once you finally discover what God is asking, there’s a peace and, yes, there are struggles, but it’s okay. ‘This is what God wants and he’s going to help.’ There’s a peace.”
Those with an interest in idealistis and realistic Christian living would be grateful for this book.
According to the treatise Verbi Sponsa: Instruction on the Contemplative Life and on the Enclosure of Nuns, a publication that is given to all Poor Clare postulants when they enter the Corpus Christi Monastery as part of their formation, a cloistered contemplative yearns for “fulfillment in God, in an uninterrupted nostalgia of the heart,” and with “monastic recollection” that enables a constant focus on the presence of God, her “journey slows down and the final destination disappears from view.”
‘Idealism and Reality’ is one of the Threats. “Not everyone—not even all the monastic nuns at the Corpus Christi Monastery—believe that idealism and a full acceptance of reality can be reconciled… Sister Mary Nicolette does not place the two concepts on opposite ends of a spectrum or regard them as mutually exclusive, “because I really believe that the reality is the vehicle that leads us to the ideal. I don’t believe that being idealistic is being unrealistic. I wed them together. I believe that the reality that we live should be such that we’re growing toward the ideal and that the ideal is something that can be reached.”
Do you know what I mean by grateful prayer? Grateful for all that God has done for us and grateful for all the people that have supported our life. We owe so much for our friends and benefactors; they support our life and so I feel so much gratefulness for them. I feel like I really have to pray for them, remember them every day in my prayers for their needs, but also so they know God and grow closer to Him.”
Several years passed. Less that a year remained before she was to make final vows as a Marian sister. “It was a sense of this ins’t fitting,” she says of the other religious community. “Saint Augustine says, ‘Our hearts are restless until they rest in you, my God.’ And it’s that way; once you finally discover what God is asking, there’s a peace and, yes, there are struggles, but it’s okay. ‘This is what God wants and he’s going to help.’ There’s a peace.”
Those with an interest in idealistis and realistic Christian living would be grateful for this book.
April 1, 2014
This is an affecting look at the lives and stories of the cloistered Poor Clare nuns at a monastery in Rockford IL. Their stories are engaging and often moving, and should dispel any stereotype of the monastic as someone who just doesn't fit in the secular world: most of these women come from very mainstream (Catholic) American backgrounds, and many had successful careers before entering the cloistered life.
Their accounts of their "conversion" (though I think all were religious to a degree beforehand) are intriguing; virtually all of them speak in terms of a call from God that they had not anticipated but could not resist.
This book is presented as an "oral history," which is its great strength but is probably a factor in the two problems I had with it. First, I would have appreciated being given a better picture of life in this monastery: the worship life, the schedule on a given day, whether the nuns have a private prayer rule, and so on. Second, while the first-person voice is great, I sometimes wanted a bit more editing to move the narrative along.
Still, as a friendly, thoughtful, thought-provoking look into a life that's foreign to most of us, I'd recommend it to anyone.
Their accounts of their "conversion" (though I think all were religious to a degree beforehand) are intriguing; virtually all of them speak in terms of a call from God that they had not anticipated but could not resist.
This book is presented as an "oral history," which is its great strength but is probably a factor in the two problems I had with it. First, I would have appreciated being given a better picture of life in this monastery: the worship life, the schedule on a given day, whether the nuns have a private prayer rule, and so on. Second, while the first-person voice is great, I sometimes wanted a bit more editing to move the narrative along.
Still, as a friendly, thoughtful, thought-provoking look into a life that's foreign to most of us, I'd recommend it to anyone.
February 1, 2017
Abbie Reese shared the stories of the Poor Clares of Rockford, Illinois. The sisters shared their early lives, their unique calling to a monastic life,and their acceptance of God's call. They shared their daily lives, living behind the grill, and what they have given up. But, despite what they have given up, they believe their lives are most fulfilled. They are truly our prayer warriors and beautiful souls.
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May 9, 2014I'm having a hard time getting through this one . . . .
I had such a difficult time reading this book. I was very interested in the stories and very interested in the entire cloistered lifestyle, but I felt the author fell short in telling the story in a good way.
Does anyone else feel this way?
I had such a difficult time reading this book. I was very interested in the stories and very interested in the entire cloistered lifestyle, but I felt the author fell short in telling the story in a good way.
Does anyone else feel this way?
January 8, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. I have been to their monastery and have a Rosary from there. It was very interesting to hear about their lives. I could see this book opening eyes and hearts to those who might consider joining. I pray that it does.
December 15, 2014
3.5 stars: surreal view into this otherworldly world. writing was a bit circular and repetitive but deeply respectful
July 21, 2016
Iure beatae et porro tenetur veritatis. Quo dicta reiciendis. Sit sed autem quas dolor alias animi.
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