How did we become sisters?
Sister BangBang found her calling with poppers in hand, mounting a disco ball…she screeched in to the convent like Miley Cyrus (but far, far older).
Sister Matic found her calling during Mardi Gras 1999 -after sipping a delightful cocktail of gin, beer and Canal water. She ran for the Convent shrubbery to throw up, waking 5 days later in the arms of Seth the gardener. She decided to stay; who wouldn’t?!
So as you can see, the call to Sisterhood takes many guises. And now, if you desire, here’s a bit more about the journey of a Sister…there are four stages to becoming a fully fledged sister:
The Four Stages
1: Aspirant
definition: someone who aspires to being or doing
This is the non committal part of the Sister journey.
This is usually expressed along the lines of “Don’t you look fabulous Sister!” and probably not much else.
2: postulant
definition: a person admitted to an order
as a probationary candidate for membership
Each one of us became a Postulant for a minimum of three months, or so.
A postulant is trying it out; giving it a go. It’s one way to know if you have what it takes, and we all get to know one another.
It’s important to note that a Postulant is not an official member of the House yet – but they’re seeing if they like this life.
Hopefully, they will get to the point where they can take vows and become a…
3: NOVICE
definition: an inexperienced person doing a job or role for a short time
Being a Novice Sister lasts about a year and a day, or so – it depends on many circumstances. Could be shorter, could be longer.
This period is where it always gets a little bit serious! After taking your vows, being a Novice means you have half a vote at meetings. You’re still not a full Sister of Perpetual Indulgence, but well on the way.
A Novice attends monthly meetings with the rest of the Manchester House. We use these to organise and plan what we will be doing in the forthcoming month or so.
When a Postulant becomes a Novice they take on vows and get themselves a full habit (white veil) in the Ceremony of Vestition.
They agree who will be their Novice Mistress and they will train them in the ways of the Force. And they have loads of fun getting out and about as a Novice Sister.
4: BLACK VEIL
definition: a complete show off who frequently falls off her heels
If a Novice has proven to be a talented nun and other Black Veils agree (via a vote at a closed meeting), we fully accept a Novice into the Manchester order and you take your final vows at your second ceremony!
If they do vote Yes, then a Novice will be given a Ceremony of Profession. A Black Veil Sister can now fully vote and eventually train other nunlings (usually after six months after becoming a Black Veil Sister.)
A Black Veil Sister has a black veil and can start creating their own signature look. (BangBang says it took her years to perfect – actually she was visiting B&Q when the paint mixer exploded. She hasn’t washed since)