Sister Act

Just in time for Christmas, I stumbled upon a story about a 31-year old nun. And not the I’m-in-a-horrible-man-drought-in-LA kind. She happens to be a real sister named Sara Marks, who wears mascara and Calvin Klein dresses. And apparently she can’t live without a hair straightener- my kind of sister. She loves to dance, travel, and go to the beach, and she’s also a photographer and plays the guitar. This may seem a bit odd, as there are less Catholic nuns in America today than there were 30 years ago. With The Sound of Music in mind I became more intrigued, as I have always been slightly fascinated with nuns- and snagging the stunning Captain von Trapp. But why would a young woman in today’s age of selfies and self-importance want to take a vow of poverty, chastity, and obedience?

Marks joined the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia where hair straightener is not only acceptable, but there are three curling irons at the ready. She shares a little farm house with other nuns and leads a very different life than most women her age. However, she sees herself as a normal person leading a normal life who happens to be committed to living simply, promoting social justice, and speaking out for those who are poor and marginalized. She is centered on God and faith, and although she does pray, she also watches television- she’s obsessed with Modern Family- just like anyone else. Marks has no regrets about not getting married and having kids even though she adores her nephews and nieces. Well, marriage obviously isn’t for everyone… but at least she’s serving mankind instead of complaining about the lack of a good man.