Why Sr. Natalia Became a Nun | Ep. 205

In this episode of Pints with Aquinas, I chat with my dear friend, Sr. Natalia, who is a Byzantine nun. We talk about what it's like to be a religious sister.

WARNING: In this conversation, we get real, real quickly.

If you're a young woman discerning God's will in your life, then this conversation is ABSOLUTELY for you. Or if you're someone who just loves conversion stories about people radically loving Jesus, then you're going to LOVE this episode.

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[pintswithaquinas]

Biggest misconception people have about nuns ... go!

[LORENZO]

Nuns don’t need makeup because they have Christ as their foundation.

[SrGemmaRose]

I know this video is a year old but I love it. I am a 35 yr old cloistered nun of 12 years and undergoing fierce temptations to leave solemn vows and return to the world. I know deep down I won’t but on the surface I feel so agitated and don’t want to pray or be at community exercises. If the community of this channel could pray for me I’d be so grateful. I also have terrible health and that makes it worse. I promise all of you my prayers as well. Sr Gemma Rose

[Roooh-og]

Loved this interview. Very down to earth!! Before I got married, I considered being a nun at some point, but I'm happily married now.

[toddgruber]

Sr. Natalia’s comments about not being married or having a family was gut wrenching and amazing to listen to. How she discussed talking and listening to Jesus was awesome. God bless her. I loves nuns.

[marisa-lucero]

I can't handle this! I too grew up Catholic, was apathetic towards it till i was 18, was agnostic till 20, had a reversion, was a serial dater throughout college, BECAME A MISSIONARY AFTER COLLEGE WHICH WAS CRITICAL IN MY DISCERNMENT TOWARDS RELIGIOUS LIFE, after visiting convents I have discerned that that is my vocation and now I too am a teacher! (For Regina Caeli)

[MrJijack]

33:51 "The tears from that pain water the soil of the garden of Gesthemane and it bears fruit"

[TheGamingLion]

44:26 "I'm not an eloquent ok Sister - you've said some of the most powerful things about vocation that I've ever heard

[EastLosAngelesclassic]

Her level of spiritual maturity and honesty is amazing, God bless her journey

[richiestan]

I'm a seminarian from India. This interview is one of the honest interviews I have ever seen. Sr. Natalia is bold and humble..I wish to imbibe these qualities from her... God bless you sister

[fr.mhaseikholiemartin]

I might not fully understand Sister's pain... As she is a woman.

Yet even now as a very young Priest I can say it truly hurts!

[icyangel]

Hearing Sr. Natalia talk about her struggles was so helpful and comforting! I am discerning a religious vocation and I have struggled with everything she talked about...I am coming more and more to the realization that a deep desire to be a wife and mother is actually the foundation of a truly fruitful religious vocation...we are all called to be wives and mothers in some way. The interview gave me much peace as it seems to confirm what the Lord has been putting on my heart.

[dentellier]

Mother Natalia, I'm comforted by your saying that not having kids and not having a husband feels excruciating. I am 40 with no kids and no husband, and practice continuously giving my life to God. Sometimes it still feels excruciatingly painful to be without these things. It's a great comfort to know that I'm in good company. Thank you for being so honest.

[erravi]

27:14 That is a magnificent point. Reminds me of a somewhat related G.K. Chesterton quote: “Feminism is the muddled idea that a woman is a slave when she helps her husband, and free when she serves an employer.”

[Littlemermaid]

Her whole energy is vibrant and beautiful. The rapport in this video is brilliant. One of my fave vids to date.

[greypilgrim]

You can feel her happiness and contentment. Low key one of the best interviews I’ve listened to on your program Mr. Fradd

[Joe-ulsu]

This is an incredible woman, unbelievably beautiful human being. Thank you God for her sacrifice.

[ansleylowe]

I’ve been debating commenting on this but here goes. I was never taught anything but marriage as a kid. I grew up in a baptist household. We acknowledged God and went to church but that was it. I eventually and recently found my way home. (I was confirmed on the vigil of Pentecost) this video spoke to me, it was almost as if I myself were asking Sr. Natalia the questions myself. Many of the questions I had, this video answered a lot of my “buts” or rejections that I had about being in religious life. I just wanted to say Thank You this video is a gem for me and other women alike.

[caedes]

I know Sister Natalia. we’ve been family friends for about six years and I live a few minutes away from that monastery too. Good stuff

[caitlinreedy]

"I don't know what it's like to be a nun. I've never had the chance. Because the Church is sexist!" Oh my goodness, that was the laugh I needed! Thanks, Matt Fradd.