Being with God,
Being for the World,
as Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters
Why do the Sisters wear a rose-colored habit?
It was the wish of our founder, St. Arnold Janssen, that the Sisters wear a rose-colored habit to remind them of their dedication to the Holy Spirit. He wanted them to be a sign of joy as they kept adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.
What is the purpose of the grille?
The grille is a sign and symbol of the secluded life the Sisters have chosen to live in order to find God more completely. The conscious renunciation of certain social advantages, known and esteemed at their true value, frees the Sisters to devote themselves more thoroughly to the quest for God to attend to Him more perfectly, and share to a more universal degree the suffering and hopes of all mankind.
Do the Sisters ever leave the enclosure?
Yes, for legitimate resons, such as medical treatment.
Do the Sisters wear the rose-colored habit when they leave the enclosure?
The Sisters wear a gray habit when they leave the enclosure. The rose-colored habit is worn only within the cloister.
How often are the Sisters permitted visits from family members and close friends?
Three times a year. Special consideration is given in cases when visitors come from out of town.
Do the Sisters vote in civil election?
Yes. The Sisters may leave the enclosure to vote or, more commonly, they vote by Absentee Ballot.
Do the Sisters watch television?
The use of television is limited to circumstances of a religious nature, in keeping with the Church's norms for cloistered-contemplative religious.
How are the Sisters informed about current events?
The Sisters receive the daily newspaper. The daily newscast from the radio may also be taped and played when the community is assembled together.
How do the Sisters support themselves?
The Sisters have a correspondence apostolate by which they acknowledge the many letters received every day from people requesting their prayerful support. People can also be enrolled in Masses and the prayers of the Sisters, and a certificate inscribed and issued upon request. These enrollment cards besides the good-will offerings, which many people include with their prayer requests, are the main support of the Sisters.
Do the Sisters take a vow of silence?
The Sisters do not take a vow of silence, but have a rule of silence. However, it is always permitted to say what is necessary for the sake of charity and work performance. There are two recreation periods a day.
What are the regulations regarding fasting?
The community fasts together several times a year. However, personal fasting is left to the discretion of each Sister.