Catholics Nuns and Embraced Motherhood

What is it about?

Motherhood is often associated with giving birth, but it also involves nurturing, caregiving, and building meaningful relationships. This article explores how Catholic nuns redefine motherhood in ways that go beyond biology. Through their autobiographical writings, these women challenge traditional gender roles and create new meanings of motherhood that resonate with their spiritual and communal lives. Using the idea of “virginal maternal” from philosopher Julia Kristeva, the article shows how nuns navigate their roles within the male-dominated Church. They embrace forms of motherhood that include spiritual care, mentoring, and deep emotional connections, all while resisting societal and institutional constraints. The personal stories of nuns reveal powerful themes like mother-daughter relationships, spiritual motherhood, and collective care among nuns. These narratives give them a voice in spaces where they have long been silenced and offer a fresh perspective on what it means to be a woman and a mother. By sharing these stories, the article highlights how autobiographies can empower nuns and challenge traditional ideas about motherhood and womanhood, both inside and outside the Church.

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