Trinitarian Cloistered Nuns
As early as the 13th
century, there were SORORES
who lived in some of the Trinitarian houses and were dedicated to giving
glory to the Holy Trinity and to caring for the sick in the hospitals
attached to those houses. Their dormitory was separated from that of the
Brothers by the hospital wing or by the church which was in the middle of
the community complex. Their discipline and observance was directed by the
Prioress, while in their spiritual and material needs they were under the
care and direction of the Minister of the house. They shared in the common
prayer life and participated in the house chapter. The first foundation
exclusively for these Sisters appears to be that of Avingaña (Lérida) in
Spain. The original foundation had been made by John de Matha in 1201 for
the Trinitarian Brothers. However, in 1236, Minister General Nicholas gave
the house over to Doña Constanza, the daughter of Philip II of Aragón, in
order to be used exclusively for Trinitarian Sisters. Throughout history,
three branches of Trinitarian cloistered nuns developed in Spain: calced,
recollects and discalced. After Vatican II, these three branches united,
adopting the same Consitutions and General Directory and using the same
habit. In 1981, twelve of the sixteen monasteries in Spain joined together
in a Federation. Those monasteries in Spain and in South America which do
not belong to the Federation use the same habit and follow the same
Constitutions and General Directory as the monasteries of the Federation.
The present-day Constitutions were revised and updated in conformity with
the new Code of Canon Law and were approved by the Holy See in 1986. The
Trinitarian nuns are consecrated in a special way to the Holy Trinity and
have a redemptive mission in the Church. They give themselves to God in
solitude and silence, in assiduous prayer and generous penance. The Rule of
the Trinitarian Order, enriched and updated by tradition and, in particular,
through the work of John Baptist of the Conception and Angela Maria of the
Conception, is the basis and foundation for their life. By their cloistered
and prayerful life, the nuns strive to contribute effectively to the
realization of the mission which has been entrusted to the whole Trinitarian
Family. Today there 15 are monasteries in Spain, 4 monasteries in South
America and 1 monastery in Madagascar. A foundation in India is being
prepared. Worldwide, the Trinitarian cloistered nuns number about 200. The
headquarters of the Federation is presently in Andújar.
ANDUJAR (Spain):
http://www.terra.es/personal/monjas
BURGOS (Spain):
Federación de España:
http://www.inicia.es/de/trinitarias
MARTOS (Spain):
http://www.gratisweb.com/monjastrini/MadresTrinitarias.htm
SUESA (Spain):