May 09 +James MARCHING ORDERS
Ever since Simeon the Stylite went and sat on top of a tall pole in the desert, monks and nuns have been regarded with admiration by some, curiosity by others and incomprehension by many.
Great poets such as Chaucer and Shakespeare have poked fun at them; film-makers (think The Sound of Music and Sister Act) have exploited them, and comedians have found in them an endless source of fertile material.
Take, for instance, the old joke about the silent order which only allowed its members to speak once a year. Seizing his opportunity, a new monk stood up at the end of his first year and said "The porridge at breakfast is too hot." At the end of his second year he said "Now the porridge is too cold." At the end of his third year he said "At last the porridge is the right temperature - but it's still too lumpy." When the time came for a review with the Abbot he was told to leave. "You're obviously unsuited to life in the community," said the Abbot, "if all you can ever do is complain."
Sadly, despite the huge interest generated by the ‘reality TV' programme Monastery, many religious orders have experienced a severe decline in vocations. Fewer and fewer young people are prepared to don the habit and take the vows. Although they are often fascinated by the spirituality of monastic communities, not many are willing to make the sort of commitment required by these religious institutions.
Admittedly there are a number of encouraging ‘fresh expressions' of the religious life, especially among Third Order Franciscans and some emerging communities which focus on Celtic Spirituality. What's more, in some other parts of the world there are dozens of young novices. But in England, as one commentator observed recently, "A society that has abandoned lifelong careers, relationships and communities is ill placed to foster lifelong monastic vocations."
All of which has had a significant impact on the Community of the Holy Name. I feel a particular, personal affinity with CHN. When I was a theological college tutor in Cambridge, we held our residential staff meetings each year at the CHN ‘Mother House' which was then in Malvern. Moving to Chester, I found myself living almost next door to the Retreat House which was run by CHN sisters; and on coming to Cumbria seven years ago my delight was unbounded when I discovered ‘Holy Name House' (which included two of our former neighbours, Constance and Charity).
Over the years, hundreds of people have benefited directly from the ministry of the CHN nuns who have hosted retreats; offered generous hospitality; acted as counsellors and spiritual directors, and provided a wonderful example of simple Christian discipleship. The whole diocese has benefited from their peaceful presence and constant prayerfulness. But in June, the remaining sisters will move to Derby, and we will be very sorry indeed to see them go.
They leave Cumbria with our gratitude, our love and our prayers - and with the assurance that we will do our best to find an appropriate use for the house which they have quite literally and very gently hallowed.
James Newcome
