Having an illness and becoming a monk

[Patrick Jarrett]

Greetings,
I just wondered if someone who has an illness could still become a novice? I really want to become a monk, and now that my wife has divorced me I feel almost dead to the world. I do have a terminal illness though and I just wanted to see if that excludes me from becoming a monk. I was hoping a brother or sister could respond to me question. Glory be to God!
In Christ,
Patrick

[Rebecca Gabl]

I'm not a sister yet, but I've been in a monastery, and here are some of my thoughts/observations:

I think it depends on the monastery. Some questions they might take into consideration would be: What are the specifics of your health situation and the kind of care you may need? (of course I'm not asking you to tell us that!) Are there brothers who would be able to take care of you? Would you be able to stay on your current health insurance plan? If not, what kind of plan does the monastery have? (I'm thinking of American monasteries in particular, which are usually quite small.)

The monastery where I lived has a number of people who entered monasticism in their 60's, but I think they were all reasonably healthy to begin with. Several of the sisters are nurses, and take care of the elderly and ill very well.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help. I wouldn't rule out monasticism. You could visit a few monasteries and see what their abbots have to say. I'm sure the others on this board who are more knowledgable will give you a better answer!

[Fr Seraphim (Black)]

Dear Patrick,

I would echo Rebecca's post in reply to your question. Monastic vocation does depend on two factors: your vocation and that of the particular monastery.

A monastery is not required to accept anyone dependent on the first premise. It is a mutual decision. Your vocation and the particular monastery's situation.

That is, as Rebecca points out, can the Monastery accept an aspirant for the monastic life? This is dependant on many factors, many of which are unseen, and ultimately depend upon the will of God.

On Mt. Athos, age is not a factor, certainly not in the larger monasteries. Also, in the larger monasteries there are enough spiritual resources to keep the ship sailing, even if one is very ill. For smaller brotherhoods, such as sketes and kellis, this could be beyond their ability.

The simple answer is to pray and discern where God wants you to be. Then the monastery itself must pray and discern if they have the necessary spiritual 'food' to nourish the novice and make certain that the vocation is given the best opportunities to flourish.

You are most welcome to e-mail me privately if you desire a clearer explanation.