Nuns under investigation by Vatican

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - They've taken vows to serve God and mankind.

So, why are nuns in Buffalo and across America under investigation by the Roman Catholic Church?

Sr. Mary Johnice, Founder of Buffalo's Response to Love Center, is under investigation.

So too is Sr. Mary Ellen Hoen and all the other nuns in the United States.

Sr. Mary Johnice of Felician Sisters of Buffalo asked, "Why are they so interested in the life of an American nun? Do they think we're radical people?"

Two sweeping investigations by the Vatican are underway, conducted so quietly that nuns aren't sure what to think.

Sr. Mary Ellen Hoen of the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart said, "I think the Vatican, it's a male city. It's a male country. They're afraid of women."

One investigation looks into the quality of life of women religious.

Dramatic changes occurred after Vatican II, allowing nuns to shed the habit, leave convents and work in areas of their own choosing.

Sister Janet DiPaquale works with at risk young women.

"They would probably prefer us to return to the fifties when we were under more control," she explained.

Sudden interest in each Orders financial standing leads her to wonder if the scrutiny is yet another response to the Catholic Church sex abuse crisis.

"They certainly had to pay alot in the child sex abuse scandels," she also said.

The second investigation focuses on where nuns stand on church teaching.

Sr. Mary Ellen believes, "There's nothing wrong with gay people."

Some Sisters believe the Vatican is trying to reign in those seen as too open minded on hot button issues like ordaining women and gay marriage.

Sr. Janet said, "Church always talks about body of Christ and my feeling is and I've expressed this publically, that we do discredit when we destroy the body of Christ by looking at families, siblings and anyone who is gay or lesbian and tell them their life is evil. I have a problem with that."

"Sometimes we don't agree, but He's my boss," explained Sr. Johnice. "When we took our vows of poverty chastity and obedience, it wasn't obediance, yes for I'll do that. It's obediance to the Church. That's a strong vow."

A Vatican Cardinal addressed the criticism and insists the investigations are to encourage vocation and strengthen the future for women religious.

While the scrutiny is puzzling, many nuns think the inquiries could ultimately be beneficial.

With the number of women religious on the decline, this sudden interest could be an opportunity to make more people aware of their work.

Sr. Janet remarked, "I would love for them to see the wonderful work we do."

"We appear as a mystery to people," Sr. Johnice explained. "I don't know but this is a time for us to shine. Shine in the eyes of affirming the work of sisters."

At this time, it's unclear what the Vatican plans to do with information which won't be completed until 2011.