At Our Lady of Lourdes National Shrine, the sisters live full, vibrant lives while serving their Lord
By Patricia Nugent
A secluded haven set back on 26 acres in Euclid, Our Lady of Lourdes National Shrine has an origin story that goes back to 1858, when Mary appeared to Bernadette in Lourdes, France. She asked her to pray for sinners and build a place where people can come to pray. A shrine was built there to commemorate the visitation. The National Shrine in Euclid is similar to it, and today people from all over the world come here to pay homage.
The Catholic nuns who are guardians of the shrine, Sisters of the Most Holy Trinity, have an equally interesting story. I caught up with the Head Administrator Sister Phyllis Ann to find out more.
Q: Do you take vows of silence?
A: Oh gosh no, in fact most of us talk and talk. I’d never make it without talking. There are some cloistered orders that involve a vow of silence, but not us.
Q: Do you have to stay in the convent all the time?
A: Goodness no. I’ve travelled extensively in my life. I’ve been to Europe, Mexico and Canada, and even met the Pope and former President George H.W. Bush through my work. We get time off to visit with our families. Our social lives include going to Guardians games, out to lunch, dinner and the movies. And here at the Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, we’re bustling planning and hosting holy and community events, especially in the summer and fall.
Q: Do you pray all day?
A: While we begin and end our day in prayer, we’re actually very busy. Many of us have jobs within the diocese and Catholic schools, serving the community for the greater good. Our work is challenging but rewarding and fun. We laugh all the time.
Q: Do you wear a habit?
A: Every order is unique. Ours does require a habit, which is stipulated by our foundress, the woman who started this order. The habits we wear are red, white and blue. White symbolizes purity of the Father, blue stands for the humility of the Son, and red is for the fire of the Holy Spirit. We also wear a tunic and a veil.
Q: Do you get vacations?
A: Yes, we get three weeks of vacation per year.
Q: How long does it take to become a nun?
A: There are nine years of study and field experience before we take our final vows. We are well educated. I think people would be surprised to know about 95 percent of us have master’s degrees. Ministry is a viable career choice. We’re doing what God has asked of us.
Q: Would you recommend the sisterhood as a career calling?
A: Yes. In fact, I would rate it a 10-plus. We see our lives as vibrant and dynamic guardians of those around us. It seems like the younger generation today is mature, sensitive and looking inward to find their real self. If someone is faithful, and seeking to serve God and others, and be in harmony with themselves, the sisterhood is a perfect fit. If anyone would like to see what a calling could look like for them, I’m always happy to give a tour and meet with them.
The Sisters of the Most Holy Trinity and National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes is located at 21281 Chardon Road in Euclid. The Sisters of the Most Holy Trinity is a 501(c)3 charity and all funds donated go directly to the charity. Call 216-481-0900 or visit SRSTrinity.com for more information.