The Nation - News from Oct. 18, 1988

Five nuns who locked themselves inside their monastery’s infirmary two weeks ago said they have ended talks with a Vatican emissary without resolving the dispute. One of the nuns, Sister John of the Cross, who has acted as a spokeswoman for the group, said the nuns remain set in their decision to stay in the monastery until they hear directly from the Vatican. The Carmelite nuns of the Monastery of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary of Mt. Carmel in Morris Township, N.J., oppose what they say are efforts to modernize the order with the introduction of television, candy and newspapers. The order has traditionally stressed seclusion and silence in its vows. The Rev. Kevin Culligan, after a five-day visit, said he had spoken with the nuns, completed his investigation and would report his findings to his superiors in Rome.