Nun Gazing and Vocation Awareness Week…

… Did you know that January 13 – 19 is National Vocation Awareness Week?

An annual week-long celebration of the Catholic Church in the United States dedicated to promote vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life through prayer and education, and to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these particular vocations. NVAW began in 1976 when the U. S. bishops designated the 28th Sunday of the year for NVAW. In 1997, this celebration was moved to coincide with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which falls on January 13 in 2013. Beginning in 2014, NVAW will be moved to the first full week of November.

So while we pray for an increase in vocations and for those who are discerning or seeking their own call, let us enjoy a bit of nun gazing.

Image source.

Someone once asked me what my fascination with nuns was about. They thought maybe I spent so much time nun gazing because I secretly had a desire to be a nun. No, my vocation is motherhood. If I secretly desire anything about the life of a nun it’s their freedom to live a life completely devoted to Christ. This freedom is obviously the source of their joy, and it’s the joy that radiates from their smiles that brings me back to nun gazing time and time again. Who wouldn’t be attracted to that and enjoy gazing at nuns?