Young women want to be 'countercultural' in religious life

Published: 2007-08-23

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Valerie Stringer, 24, became interested in religious life while attending a Catholic high school run by religious sisters. Now at the University of Illinois, she is seriously considering entering a religious community and has a few characteristics in mind when looking for one. After growing up with a love for Pope John Paul II, she said she and other women in the campus ministry's vocations discernment group look for communities that express faithfulness to the pope and to the teachings of the church. She said a pope's adherence to what he believes to be true, even when unpopular, is attractive to the young women because it stands in contrast to politicians and others who regularly change their opinions and values. "We're looking for something that can provide us with guidance and a cornerstone on how to live our lives," she said.

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