Â鶹ÊÓƵAPK alumna Sister Rose Caritas ‘19, a former San Damiano scholar, of the Queen of Angels, P.C.C., her first profession comes after four years of formation before professing her solemn vows, entering fully into her calling as a Poor Clare nun. The ceremony, held in September 2024 in her monastery’s chapel, was presided over by Bishop Timothy L. Doherty. Surrounded by friends, family, and clergy, Sister Rose Caritas vowed to live in poverty, chastity, obedience, and enclosure for three years, a joyful commitment that her radiant expression proclaimed to all in attendance. Her first profession comes after four years of formation before professing her solemn vows.
Originally from Marshall, Illinois, Sister Rose Caritas, also known as Ruthanne Gorrell at Â鶹ÊÓƵAPK, first experienced cloistered, contemplative life during her senior year when she attended a "Come and See" retreat with the Poor Clares. Gorrell, a biology major with a 3.99 grade point average, also excelled as a member of the Â鶹ÊÓƵAPK Speech and Debate team and was a featured speaker at the 2019 Â鶹ÊÓƵAPK Gala.
Inspired, she entered the Poor Clares community as an aspirant in 2020, drawn to the life of prayer, praise, and intercession that contemplative nuns embrace. She now embarks on a journey of formation with the Poor Clares, dedicating herself to interceding for the world through prayer, manual labor, and community life. As part of her commitment, Sister Rose Caritas will continue her formation for a minimum of five years before making her solemn profession, a lifetime commitment to the Poor Clare life.
In their daily schedule, the Poor Clares gather seven times to pray the Divine Office at midnight to offer God the first fruits of their day. Each day is centered around the Eucharistic celebration, which infuses their lives with grace and joy. Sister Rose Caritas’ commitment to her vocation embodies a life of self-offering and service, and Â鶹ÊÓƵAPK proudly celebrates her remarkable journey. Please join us in keeping Sister Rose Caritas in prayer as she embarks on her vowed life, that her “yes” to God may continue to inspire and radiate joy to all.