BY JOCELYN SORIANO

Why has there been such a steep decline in the number of religious sisters for the past 50 years?

According to the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, there has been a 72% decline in the number of religious sisters in the United States for a period of 50 years since 1965. From a peak number of 181,421, the number of religious sisters dropped to only 49,883 in 2014.

Meanwhile, projected data released by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops show that the number of religious women in the United States will decrease by half from 2023 to 2033.

Even when considered globally, a report from La Croix International say that there was a 7.5% decline in the number of religious women from 2013 to 2018 per Vatican statistics.

Possible reasons for fewer nuns

I would like to share some of the possible reasons I thought about for the declining number of religious women. Although these could be mere ideas, perhaps they can also point the way as we try to find out what could be causing the dearth in the number of vocations today.

Here are some reasons I thought about:

1. Family

Most people who become nuns or priests come from a religious background. Some come from families with relatives who have already entered religious life. As more and more families lose the faith, it follows that lesser vocations will come from the younger generation.

2. Education

Catholic education has not been as prevalent as it was. Some even close down for financial reasons. Considering that an early Catholic education usually helps younger ones discern their vocation, this also contributes to the decreasing number of nuns.

3. A secular culture

We can never fully realize the impact that the culture has on people. But consider growing up in a secular world where you seldom hear or witness models for religious life. How do you think would it affect you?

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/beloved/2024/04/what-is-causing-the-declining-number-of-nuns/