“Forever Chosen”: the Religious Life of Nuns with Down Syndrome

“We were told that we would lower the standard of consecrated life; that our Sisters’ vocation was just a whim of their parents, not a true calling.” Mother Line, Mother Superior of the Little Sisters Disciples of the Lamb, speaks openly about the early days of an unexpected journey that was unacceptable to many. For almost forty years, this community in central France has welcomed women with Down syndrome into contemplative life. “At the time, it was widely believed that people with intellectual disabilities could not have a true vocation. It was a long, often silent struggle. But the Lord helped us to keep our eyes fixed on Him. Not everyone is called to discover His treasures, and this has given us peace.”

Support came from shepherds with a listening heart. “Monsignor Jean Honoré, destined to become a cardinal, fully understood our journey and took the first practical steps in Rome. In 1995, the community moved to the Diocese of Bourges, where Bishop Pierre Plateau welcomed us most warmly. Following consultation with Rome, he recognised us as an institute of contemplative life in 1999. Today, the community is located next to the Benedictine Abbey of Fontgombault.

“The Father Abbot welcomed us graciously and provided us with valuable guidance. Spiritual stability is of fundamental importance to us, and frequent changes of parish priest disrupt this balance. Being close to the abbey is a source of comfort to us.”

The Little Sisters are especially grateful to Father Henri Bissonnier, a pioneer in catechesis for people with disabilities. He was the first to recognise that young people with Down Syndrome could have a true religious vocation. “His teachings have influenced many people in France and abroad. My own spiritual journey has also been shaped by his vision.”

Meeting Pope Francis in 2017 definitively confirmed their vocation. “To be welcomed, listened to, and blessed by the Holy Father was a source of deep joy. For us, it meant full recognition of our choice to follow Christ and embrace our fragility.”

The Pope confirmed our vocation through simple yet meaningful gestures. His attention to every human life and his belief in the value of each person encouraged us to persevere despite the daily challenges we face.”

The days go by at a steady pace, with prayer, work and community life intertwining. They wake up at 7 a.m., have breakfast and say their morning prayers, before engaging in community activities such as cooking, gardening and housekeeping. Mass is celebrated at least twice a week, or more frequently if visiting priests are present. After lunch, they dedicate themselves to spiritual readings, particularly the Bible and the lives of the Saints. In the afternoon, after reciting the rosary at 3 p.m., they enjoy a snack before attending workshops on weaving, growing aromatic plants, harvesting Damask roses, distillation, and the artisanal production of cosmetics and herbal teas. Their product line is called “Still’Amoris – La Goccia d’Amore” (Still’Amoris – The Drop of Love). In the evening, they pray the Vespers, have dinner and conclude with Compline: “We share every moment: our life is authentic fraternal life.”

Living with Sisters with Down’s syndrome is a challenging gift. “They have an intense spirituality. They are like pure mirrors, reflecting the face of Jesus — the face of the heart. Before she passed away, Sister Marie-Ange used to say, ‘I have been chosen for eternity.’ These words have become the title of a book.

The life of our nuns consists of the essentials: humility, joy, acceptance, and trust. They teach us to look at others without fear or defensiveness. They remind us that we love not because of what we know or do, but because of who we are.

Their presence has also become a distinctive emblem for society: “the world we inhabit today is one in which numerous children with Down Syndrome are rejected at birth. We want to loudly proclaim that every life is precious. As Monsignor Plateau told us when he presented us with our Constitutions: ‘I don’t know what you will become, little flock, but I am certain that you will write one of the most beautiful pages of the Gospel of Life’. Visitors often arrive anxious, but leave filled with wonder and a new outlook. The fears surrounding the birth of a baby with disabilities are transformed into serenity thanks to our Sisters.” With the Jubilee for People with Disabilities approaching, Mother Line looks ahead with hope: “It’s wonderful to know that there’s a place for everyone in the Church today. This is not a concession; it is an indisputable fact. Fragility can be a pathway. It already is, actually.” The nuns with Down syndrome confirm this: “I am joyful because of my 40 years of faithfulness to Jesus.” “I enjoy working in the kitchen.” “The best thing is being together.” “I enjoy praying for the sick, reciting the rosary and entrusting to Jesus the intentions entrusted to us.” “Compline is my favourite prayer. I enjoy singing the Canticle of Simeon.” Here, religious life has the pure face of those who have found their home.