By Amy Rebecca Radil

The women padding into the living room in sweaters and leggings were nuns in training. Sitting on sofas and cushions with caftans tucked around them, they held paperback Bibles and began the day with music and prayer. Sr. Rita Burdz, one of the group’s leaders, lit a candle on the center table. An ethereal chorale played on the stereo. The orientation home of the Maryknoll Sister, and order of the Catholic Missionaries, resembled nothing so much as a well-kept sorority house. Its spacious, sunny rooms were filled with plants, books and worn but comfortable furniture, along with objects sent as gift from Sisters abroad.