Why might a medieval woman choose to become a nun?

Why might a medieval woman choose to become a nun?

Affluent women were required to have some literacy during the Middle Ages, but their learning was intended only to prepare them for being respectable wives and mothers. Higher learning for nuns, on the other hand, was encouraged because they were required to comprehend biblical teachings.

What roles did nuns have in the medieval period?

Monks and nuns performed may roles in the middle ages. They provided shelter, they taught others to read and write, prepared medicine, sewed clothes for others, and helped others in times of need. They spent most of their time praying and meditating.

Were nuns respected in medieval times?

During the middle medieval times, the cult of the Virgin Mary became popular which asserted the high status of women because it was a woman who gave birth to the son of God. Thus a medieval nun commanded considerable esteem and respect.

What did nuns eat in medieval times?

In the Middle Ages, nuns tended towards a vegetarian diet, consuming primarily breads, cheeses, vegetables, the occasional fruits, and of course,…

What were convents used for?

A convent is a community of either priests, religious brothers, religious sisters, monks or nuns; or the building used by the community, particularly in the Catholic Church, Lutheran churches, and the Anglican Communion.

What happens to nuns who get pregnant?

Nuns who became pregnant were forced to leave their religious congregation, the reports say, while the priests responsible were simply sent away for a brief period.

What problems did nuns face in the Middle Ages?

Many nuns who kept their vows of celibacy were afflicted with psychological disturbances- Many nuns had freedom to come and go from their convents- they were exposed to the temptations of the outer world- visitors came and went freely- the outside world did not prize virginity as much as the Church-

Why are nuns speaking out against the Catholic Church?

Another scandal is engulfing the Catholic Church. At a time when the Vatican has taken its most concrete steps to address a long ordeal with sex abuse and coverups, a growing chorus of nuns is speaking out about the suffering they have endured at the hands of the priesthood, including rape, forced abortion, emotional abuse and labor exploitation.

Did nuns cut off their noses to protect themselves?

Several accounts of nuns cutting off their noses and sometimes their upper lip during the early Middle Ages to keep invaders from raping them- the nuns were able to die with their virginity intact- It is not known if the chronicles which reported these stories are true- a discussion of the cases in those chronicles-