Why has there been such a steep decline in the number of religious sisters for the past 50 years?
According to the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, there has been a 72% decline in the number of religious sisters in the United States for a period of 50 years since 1965. From a peak number of 181,421, the number of religious sisters dropped to only 49,883 in 2014.
Meanwhile, projected data released by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops show that the number of religious women in the United States will decrease by half from 2023 to 2033.
Even when considered globally, a report from La Croix International say that there was a 7.5% decline in the number of religious women from 2013 to 2018 per Vatican statistics.
Possible reasons for fewer nuns
I would like to share some of the possible reasons I thought about for the declining number of religious women. Although these could be mere ideas, perhaps they can also point the way as we try to find out what could be causing the dearth in the number of vocations today.
Here are some reasons I thought about:
1. Family
Most people who become nuns or priests come from a religious background. Some come from families with relatives who have already entered religious life. As more and more families lose the faith, it follows that lesser vocations will come from the younger generation.
2. Education
Catholic education has not been as prevalent as it was. Some even close down for financial reasons. Considering that an early Catholic education usually helps younger ones discern their vocation, this also contributes to the decreasing number of nuns.
3. A secular culture
We can never fully realize the impact that the culture has on people. But consider growing up in a secular world where you seldom hear or witness models for religious life. How do you think would it affect you?
4. Economic factors
This is the type of world where both husband and wife must work just to make ends meet. This is also that kind of financial condition that pushes many women to earn a living for their families instead of considering their own vocation to religious life.
I know many single women who haven’t married or become nuns because they had to support their younger siblings or their other family members.
5. The effect of the above on the age of women
Having no religious family or education and only learning later on in life about Catholicism makes it harder for someone to enter a religious life. Age is a factor that affects religious vocations since many communities only accept women from a younger age.
This is the same for factors that affect the financial condition of families. Earning a living and helping younger siblings finish their education before considering one’s vocation meant not devoting all those years in formation for religious life.
6. More opportunities to explore
In previous times, Catholic women who may not feel called to marriage may easily think about joining religious orders as a way of life and of fulfilling their life purpose.
In our modern times, women may look for opportunities in other spheres of service for others. This is particularly true for those who may not feel called to cloistered life.
Only God’s wisdom can fathom the needs of the times
In the end, it is only God who knows the needs of the times and how best to fulfill them.
Let us remember that in the past, God sent prophets whenever the need arose. He also sent saints to correct the sins of their time.
And while there was a time when religious life flourished, there may yet be a reason and an opportunity given to us even with the decline of women entering religious life.
You may also want to read “When Will The Church Recognize The Vocation Of Single People?”
Jocelyn Soriano writes about the single life and her Catholic faith at Single Catholic Writer. She is currently single and happy and she would like everyone to know how happy we can be by drawing close to the love of God!
She is the author of To Love an Invisible God, Defending My Catholic Faith and Mend My Broken Heart.
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