Sponsor
Portland State University. Department of English
First Advisor
Andrew Giarelli
Term of Graduation
Spring 2000
Date of Publication
5-5-2000
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Writing
Department
English
Language
English
Subjects
Ex-nuns -- Biography, Franciscan convents
Physical Description
1 online resource (2, iii, 88 pages)
Abstract
The following is the true account of one woman' s experience in a Franciscan convent during the 1950' s and 60's. It is a study of motivation-why a young high school graduate would leave behind everything to pursue a life of service and why, thirteen years later, she would return to the world.
The subject's name has been slightly altered protect her identity, but all other details are factual to the subject's recollection.
Carol Stock entered a Franciscan convent against her mother's wishes in order to help others. As her mother exposed her to the charity work, Carol dreamed of serving mankind and felt the only way for her to pursue these dreams was to enter the convent.
Carol entered the convent after her high school graduation. After a year as a postulant, Carol became a Bride of Christ named Sister Eloise in a wedding-like ceremony.
During the next two years, Carol prepared for final vows and took college courses toward her teaching degree. Sister Eloise taught in Catholic schools while finishing college during the summer.
Sister Eloise tried to ignore her growing realization that even nuns and priests behave horribly to one another as well as the children in their care. Several events caused Carol to grow furious that theirs was not a mission of service but one of mere rule-enforcement.
She applied to be released from her vows. The process would, in the end, take three years. After her papal release was received, Sister Eloise again became Carol Stock and left the convent for good.
Rights
In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
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Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/44589
Recommended Citation
Rogers, Laurel Danielle Smith, "Every Good Tree" (2000). Dissertations and Theses. Paper 7017.