Background: There are many kinds of nuns, and Poor Clare Sisters are one type, even they within their about 40 monasteries in the US (also found in around 70 countries) are all somewhat uniquely individualized. They are devoted to a life of poverty, chastity, obedience, enclosure, prayer, contemplation & community. Founded by Clare of Assisi (1212) & historically aligned with St. Francis of Assisi. Then in the 1400s St. Colette promoted a reform of poverty, fasting, austerity. Later (early 1900s) a group of Colettine Poor Clares establish themselves in Rockford, IL.
Story: A very rare glimpse of life in a monastery following Heather, now Sister Amata as she films (along with additional footage by the director) her hidden life of prayer. We get diary type glimpses of Heather in 2007 as she decides to join, eventually being accepted in 2010, to Novice after three years & Sister after another year. During which time she loses communication with the outside including family. Heather's reasons commonly are shared not only within Christianity, but many other religions as well. To give a sense of her beliefs, in her words, she wants to "give the very best of her life to God." "There is so much we could do, but what's better that to give it (your life) to God who's given it to us." "We have to give glory to God for the gifts He's given us." "Without God we can't do anything." "God can do all things, we just have to ask (prayer)." "Lives make no sense without Christ." "To be hidden is to focus on returning God's love with love." "Look forward to death, to the Kingdom, away from the struggles of the flesh."
Kudos to Novice Mistress for her open, articulate, intelligent, secure presence during the filming. Lots of film time spent on cleanliness, would have liked to have seen more on daily life like eating, sleeping.
Personal criticism: Noticeable in this monastery, but found in most religions, is an over-reliance on ritual, and 2D & 3D iconic symbolism, often large & ornate, to instill religiosity. As the world environmentally drowns in waste, pollution, with the extinction of plant & animal species from excessive consumption, and from overpopulation those attention & resources are being misapplied. Asking God (prayer) doesn't seem to be helping. Ironically in the doc our nuns pour Holy Water from a squeeze plastic bottle, and rake leave with plastic rakes. Perhaps, build your own from bamboo. Plant physiology - keep the leaves beneath the trees to return nutrients to the soil.
