[[Dear Sister O'Neal, is it possible for a cloistered nun to transfer her solemn profession and consecration to canon 603? It would be to a different diocese than the monastery [she is currently in]. Does that make a difference?]]
Thanks for your question. The quick answer is no, there is no way to transfer solemn monastic profession to canon 603 no matter the diocese(s) involved in such a significant step. Because I either have previously or am currently accompanying a Sister involved in the process you asked about, I am familiar with the outline of the elements required (though not in detail). You will find it involves at least the following elements: 1) exclaustration and establishment of your life as a hermit in (though not yet of) the receiving diocese, 2) working with the local ordinary as you actually discern whether or not you are called to be a diocesan hermit. (Remember that besides the possibility of living as a non-canonical hermit in the lay state, there are two other canonical options you might find preferable to c 603; At least one of these would allow for transfer of one's vows: a) life in a laura, and b) life in a canonical semi-eremitical congregation). Another necessary "element" such a change involves is, 3) the assistance of canonists and the General Superior or Prioress of your congregation who, among many other 4hings, will eventually submit all necessary paperwork to Rome. These three elements break down into many necessary steps and I do not know the specific order in which all these steps needs to be accomplished, but in even considering profession under c 603, a first conversation with the bishop in the "new" diocese regarding what you are considering seems to have priority.
Because canon 603 is not about another Order or Congregation, transfer of vows is not possible. Really it is a different vocation than some form of cenobitical life. Instead, exclaustration will be necessary as you establish yourself in a diocese (I assume you already know the bishop will seriously consider professing you under c 603 if that's the way your mutual discernment truly leads; if you have not ascertained this, please set up an appointment with him to discuss matters before taking any steps toward exclaustration; I am also assuming for purposes of this response, that your question pertained to yourself.) If you know the new (or alternate) diocese's bishop will definitely consider professing you under c 603, you are in a secure position to move towards exclaustration. Know that before a bishop will profess you he must not only be sure you have a solitary eremitical vocation, but he must be sure you will be able to support yourself, pay your own expenses (insurance, medical care, rent, food, utilities, library, spiritual direction, transportation, retreat, etc.). One thing that might be very helpful, especially as the details of exclaustration and definitive separation from your monastic family begin to take shape, is a canon lawyer who works for you and not for the diocese or your monastic community.
The situation is complex (much more so than a transfer), requires lots of coordinating on the part of everyone involved. One thing that, as a matter of prudence, calls for your own canon lawyer is the matter of patrimony. While you are on exclaustration and establishing yourself in a hermitage of some sort, your community is responsible for your expenses and upkeep (you are still an OSB, OCSO, or something similar, but once you receive an indult of departure, once your vows are dispensed and perhaps even before you are subsequently professed under canon 603, that changes, of course. (Canonists will assist you and your congregation to work out things in the way departing religious typically do today after x or y or z years of solemn profession; here it is both prudent and charitable to have a canonist working for you and looking out for your own concerns and future needs specifically.)
A serious question you will need to answer for yourself in time is, "if I am called to consecrated eremitical life, where is the best place for me to live that out? Is solitary eremitical life best for you (in which case, again, no transfer is possible), or should you consider transferring somewhere like the Sisters of Bethlehem, for instance? There are also small monastic houses which can allow for greater solitary than your own might. The Benedictine Sisters of Transfiguration Monastery in Windsor, NY are one such I know of (I am an oblate with them since they were formerly Camaldolese.) but I am sure there are others. For instance, are you being called to a greater degree of solitude but lived in community? What you are proposing (moving from one vocation to another) is certainly doable, but again, it is complex even without the "complication" of actually discerning eremitical life and the form this should take. I hope this is a little helpful and wish you the best on your journey. If you are called to this it will be a really wonderful adventure! Meanwhile, please keep in contact if you think I can be of assistance in the future, especially if and as you embrace the eremitical life.
07 February 2020
Cloistered Nun: May She Transfer Her Solemn Vows to Canon 603 Life?
Posted by Sr. Laurel M. O'Neal, Er. Dio. at 5:58 AM