The Sisterhood: Becoming Nuns

The Sisterhood: Becoming Nuns, is an exclusive reality show aired on Lifetime in 2014. True to the episodic nature of reality television, each segment deftly explores the intense journey of five women in their 20s who are considering the lifelong commitment of becoming Catholic nuns.

The show is set against the background of three very different convents across the United States. From the Sisters of St. Joseph the Worker in Walton, Kentucky; the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence in Chicago, Illinois; and The Carmelites for the Aged and Infirm in Germantown, New York, the show zooms in on the varying religious practices, customs, traditions, styles of worship and interactions.

A veritable immersion into a world seldom seen, the show provides remarkable access to the emotional and spiritual challenges experienced by these young women as they grapple with a decision that quite literally means giving up their contemporary lives to embrace a new world of faith and service. The show immensely fascinates as it captures not only the celibacy and obedience expected from them but also the ensuing mental and physical challenges.

Each episode, the viewers experience how these young women strive to legate their faith against modern-life temptations like dating, family, and independence. There are elements of sacrifice, devotion, discipline, and the complexity of making a decision that requires surrendering personal freedoms for the greater good.

The young women Claire, Stacey, Eseni, Francesca, and Christie all come from different backgrounds, walks of life and have distinct personal motivations for considering the nunhood. This draws in a wide spectrum of viewers who can relate to at least one of the participants.

Claire posses a deep spiritual longing despite her lack of religious upbringing. Stacey, on the other hand, is a loyal churchgoer who has had a rewardingly deep spiritual bond with her faith since childhood. In contrast, Eseni seeks inner peace without fully understanding what living life in service to God would imply. Meanwhile, Francesca, from a traditional Catholic family, questions convent discipline versus her outdoor lifestyle. Finally, Christie's deep spiritual bond is also replete with doubts and fears about leaving behind her tight-knit family.

With unique takes on faith, love, commitment and sacrifice, the spectrums of emotions that each episode triggers are vast. The show is elegantly paced, ensuring that the dramatic tension always complements the profound human struggles underlying the reality of the participants. Balancing the intensity are heartwarming moments of camaraderie, love, and humor that inevitably arise when five young women come together.

While showcasing the spiritual journey, the show admirably tackles the challenges of transitioning from a world of comparative freedom to one where every move is pre-planned according to a rule book. The struggle is portrayed with great sensitivity and empathy by producers Hot Snakes Media, known for their respectful portrayals of different communities in shows like Breaking Amish.

Established religious figures such as the Mother Superior, Sisters, or the Priest do not shy away from discussing the difficult aspects of their faith, thereby providing a fair depiction. Frequently, they challenge the young women in their daily routines and spiritual exercises and the poignant moments of introspection that follow are genuinely moving.

One of the salient features of The Sisterhood: Becoming Nuns is how it boldly delves into the debate around religious choice, depicting how these young women question and combat their doubts while discerning their calling. It raises broader questions about faith, sacrifice, and dedication, shedding light on the dedication it takes to choose a life of solitude and service.

The Sisterhood: Becoming Nuns is an extraordinary window into a rarely seen world, making it an exciting watch for both those with religious inclinations or curiosity, as well as for viewers who enjoy emotionally engaging reality television. Consequently, it's a reflection of our global society and the different paths we all walk in our personal and spiritual journeys.

Averall, The Sisterhood: Becoming Nuns infuses the reality TV genre with an unprecedented blend of faith and scrutiny, appealing to the viewer's sense of consciousness and spirituality in a unique and fulfilling way. While it does shed light on religious life, at its core, it's a show about young women wrestling with life-changing decisions and determining their paths, aspects relatable to all.