Each religion as well as its branches represent a unique worldview with its own beliefs, rituals and customs. People often perceive this sphere of activity as something mysterious and far from ordinary daily life. Let’s flip through the pages of the Tyburn Nuns’ history. What are the basic principles of their life? Why has London become a special place for them? What is hidden behind the walls of their religious centres? Learn more at londonka.
The history and the philosophy of the congregation
The history of this Catholic congregation of Benedictine nuns began back in France in 1898. However, most such organisations were forced to move to other places because of the 1901 law imposing strict restrictions on religious institutions. The Adorers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Montmartre (the official name of the congregation) was one of them. In 1903, the founder of the congregation transferred it to Tyburn, London. This place is known primarily for the public executions that took place here from 1196 to 1783. You can still hear spooky legends about this place. After the congregation was moved, the nuns founded a church to honour the Catholic martyrs who were executed during the English Reformation. Although after the end of the Second World War, some representatives of the congregation returned to France, Marble Arch in London remained the headquarters of the organisation and the city became a home for the nuns.
The Tyburn Nuns follow the Rule of St Benedict. This is a book of precepts written by the reformer of Western monasticism and the founder of the Benedictine order, St Benedict of Nursia. Adoration is also an important component of the nuns’ life. They perform rites asking for atonement for the offences of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In the first years after the establishment of this Catholic congregation, adoration was performed to atone for blasphemy against the Blessed Sacrament, committed by the priests and ordinary believers. The faith is reflected in the nuns’ clothing as well. It is usually a black veil and traditional Benedictine clothing. The candidates for the organisation wear mostly light colours. While more known and respected nuns wear a white cowl and a ring.
Development and important events
After the congregation was founded in Tyburn, it also opened many of its monasteries around the world. Thus, they appeared in Australia, Colombia, New Zealand, Peru and many other countries. In 2019, a newly-created order of monks started novitiate at a solemn ceremony at the London monastery. The Colombian priests adopted the main traditions and customs from the Tyburn Nuns. That event became quite important for the congregation.
There are more resonant events in the history of the Catholic congregation of Benedictine nuns. In particular, during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the nuns urged the sisters not to vaccinate against the disease. Moreover, there were appeals to the nuns to pray for those who died from vaccination. This situation gained wide publicity and was even discussed in the Vatican. After all, most of the world’s religious organisations have recognised the importance of the WHO’s recommendations on methods of overcoming and preventing this disease.