Yes, nuns blog, too. Sister Julie Viera of Monroe, Michigan, runs anunslife.org, and spends her days connecting to both God and her online followers, describing her personal story and sisterhood in general. Increasingly, women from the secular world have been visiting her site, expressing interest in getting into the habit. —Jessica Pilot
Describe a typical day.
I begin around 5 a.m. with coffee and prayer. Then I work on A Nun's Life. Much of the work I do now is ministering to people online. In the evening I spend time with my community. Then I relax with TV or a book. I end by reviewing how God was present to me.
Have you attracted many young people?
I've received online inquiries from a number of teen girls eager to learn about religious life and about how they can grow in their relationship with God. One young woman emailed me to let me know that after struggling with negative stereotypes about the church and nuns, she now realizes that religious life is a possibility for her.
How are nuns misrepresented in the media?
We're shown as one-dimensional caricatures ranging from a stern, ruler-wielding nun to a bubbly, guitar-playing nun. Nuns are presented without context—their community or their interior life—and sometimes even without a name.
What led you to become a nun?
I never imagined myself as one of them. While in graduate school studying theology, I met sisters and brothers my age. Slowly, I saw that becoming a nun was something that could fulfill me and be the adventure of a lifetime.
Do you miss anything?
I had to come to terms with knowing my choice meant I would not have a husband to come home to, that one person who would be my friend, lover, and partner throughout life. Occasionally, I miss that possibility.
Does the Church look down on blogging?
The Catholic Church is open to, and making use of, new media such as blogs and social networking sites. There's even a Vatican YouTube channel.
What blogs do you read?
I like blogs on Catholicism and technology. And evilmadscientist.com.
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