A nun has spoken openly about what three decades of celibacy is truly like.
Sister Gabriel, a Poor Clare Franciscan nun from Arundel, England, has spent 30 years focused entirely on prayer, work, and faith.
She will remain inside her monastery for the rest of her life, hoping to live, grow, and eventually die there, embracing “fullness of life in that place.”
Before joining religious life, she lived a completely different lifestyle. She studied aeronautical and mechanical engineering, working professionally as an engineer before choosing to dedicate herself to God.
She also made it clear that nuns happily enjoy alcohol.
Speaking with LadBible Stories, she laughed that her personal favorite treat is “a bottle of Newcastle Brown Ale.”
Because her earlier life was so different, many people wonder if living without intimacy has been difficult.
In the Honesty Box, she admitted that staying celibate can sometimes be tough.
“At different moments in my life, it’s been more difficult than other times,” she said.
She believes her ability to love keeps expanding, but in very different ways as time passes. “It can be challenging,” she added honestly.
Celebrity Crush Confession and Thoughts on Church Scandals
Sister Gabriel smiled shyly when asked whether she has ever experienced a celebrity crush.
She said she loves watching films on holiday and can appreciate beautiful characters, strong storytelling, and even the actors in those roles.
“Sometimes the actors that are playing the parts, I can just really enjoy, if that’s what having a crush is,” she said.
She mentioned the movie A Star Is Born, admitting she watched it twice, which she said is rare for her.
She praised Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s performances before wondering aloud, “So, could I have a celebrity crush on Bradley Cooper?”
Laughing, she said his eyes are certainly ones she “could stare into,” calling the film beautiful despite its sad ending. “Great eyes,” she giggled.
When the topic turned serious, she addressed one of the darkest issues facing her faith: abuse and corruption allegations within the Catholic Church. She said it is “a really important question.”
“I’m ashamed of that,” she said. “I am sorry for that and I am deeply saddened by that.”
She explained that she prays for survivors and hopes every person harmed by the Church is finally heard, supported, and cared for.
Featured image credit: Ascension Presents
