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[[Image:nuns.jpg|right|250px|thumb|A group of nuns.]]

[[Image:nuns.jpg|right|250px|thumb|A group of nuns.]]

A '''nun''' is a celibate [[Catholic]] woman who is called to serve [[God]]. Nuns usually work inside a [[convent]] and are part of an [[order]]. A nun will often wear a [[habit]], a covering for the [[head]]. It is black and white and signifies that one serves [[God]].

A '''nun''' is a celibate [[Catholic]] woman who lives her life, under formal vows, in service to [[God]]. Nuns usually work and live inside a [[convent]] and are part of a religious [[order]]. A nun will often wear a [[habit]], a special covering for the [[head]] and body. It is usually black and white, sometimes brown or blue (depending upon the particular religious order), and signifies that one serves God.

Each order has a [[mission]], ordained by God. Some nuns work as [[teacher]]s in Catholic schools or as [[nurse]]s in [[hospital]]s. All nuns must take a [[vow of poverty]], and any money they earn goes towards supporting their convent or order.  

Each order has its special [[mission]]. Some nuns work as [[teacher]]s in Catholic schools or as [[nurse]]s in [[hospital]]s. All nuns must take a [[vow of poverty]], and any money they earn goes towards supporting their convent or order.  

A woman who is a [[widow]] who is not a virgin may become a nun, but a divorcee may not, unless approved by the [[Vatican]]. In Catholicism, women are not allowed to become [[priest]]s, but becoming a nun is considered a fulfilling and rewarding choice. Women interested in becoming nuns are encouraged to try living in a convent for a time so they might decide whether they would really like to serve God in that capacity.  

A woman who is a [[widow]] and not a virgin may become a nun, but a divorcee may not, unless approved by the [[Vatican]]. In Catholicism, women are not allowed to become [[priest]]s, but becoming a nun is considered a fulfilling and rewarding choice. Women interested in becoming nuns are encouraged to try living in a convent for a time so they might decide whether they would really like to serve God in that capacity.  

A beginner nun is called a novice and is required to take vows of [[vow of chastity|chastity]] and poverty. Leaving the sisterhood after taking vows is frowned upon, much like [[divorce]].

A beginner nun is called a novice and is required to take vows of [[vow of chastity|chastity]] and poverty. Leaving the sisterhood after taking vows is frowned upon, much like [[divorce]], but has become common in the United States since the reforms of [[Vatican II]].

===Episcopal Nuns===

===Episcopal Nuns===

The [[Episcopal]] Church also has women religious, who are known as "[http://www.stmaryseast.org/nuns_episcopal.htm nuns"]. They take vows of poverty and chastity as their Catholic counterparts do.

The [[Episcopal]] and [[Anglican]] Churches also have women religious who are known as "[http://www.stmaryseast.org/nuns_episcopal.htm nuns"]. They take vows of poverty and chastity as their Catholic counterparts do.

   

   

===Buddhist Nun===

===Buddhist Nun===

[[Buddhist]] nuns are required to shave their [[head]].

[[Buddhist]] nuns are required to shave their [[head]]s.

==Famous Nuns==

==Famous Nuns==