What A Shame

From the Courier Post Online: A Camden convent where cloistered nuns have served God for more than 100 years will soon close its doors.
The Monastery of the Dominican Nuns of the Perpetual Rosary will host a farewell ceremony Dec. 9. A formal announcement is expected Monday.
Peter Feuerherd, spokesman for the Camden Diocese, confirmed the closure Friday. He said the decline in the numbers of worshipping nuns ultimately led to the decision.
In the 1970s, the convent boasted 20 nuns who lived a life dedicated to God and alternated shifts saying the rosary 24 hours a day. By the turn of the century, the chapter was down to seven sisters. Feuerherd estimated there are now three or four nuns, but he was out of the office and unable to provide specifics.
“The diocese is always interested in keeping alive the vision of contemplative life,” he said. “We realize the lack of vocations to the monastic life made it impossible for this community to continue as is in Camden.”
The remaining nuns are expected to move to a similar Dominican community in Elmira, N.Y.
The spokesman added that a small community formed around the nuns regularly attended Mass at the building’s chapel, but he noted it was not a formal parish. http://www.courierpostonline.com/article/20131130/NEWS21/311300038/Shrinking-Camden-convent-will-shut-its-doors?nclick_check=1
I understand why they closed but it is still sad that after 100 years, they could not sustain their community.