Visiting the Nunnery

Yesterday I went to a cloistered nunnery. 

This particular convent is the oldest Carmelite monastery in Boston, built in 1896. Given that the nuns have chosen to live a life of seclusion, visitors can only proceed as far as the foyer. Communicating with those living on the interior is done through a large carousel. Visitors can place a letter or package on the oval and then spin. Once the carousel has been turned the visitor sees only a wood screen, leaving the nun to remove the item in complete privacy, without being seen or heard. She then spins it back for the next visitor.

What happens behind the wall remains a mystery. But it is still comforting to know this group of women is praying for me; every day without ceasing.

"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." - Mother Teresa