Roman Catholic sisters in New Mexico say it is too soon to know what impact the Vatican's apostolic visitation could have on their own lives and work.

Sister Josephine Macias, former development director at Santo Niño Regional Catholic School, said she's been reading about the study of U.S. women's religious communities in the National Catholic Reporter. Some commenters, she noted, are saying, "It's about time to get these nuns in order," while others believe "this is just ridiculous."

"I personally feel there is no need to be looking at us in a negative way. We're just teaching and doing God's work. We need to be proud of what we've done," Macias said. The apostolic visitation "doesn't worry me."

Macias added that what she is doing is "what I'm called to do by the church."

If a conclusion of the study is that all sisters need to be back in the habit, Macias observed, "I say, 'You wear it.' "

Sister Phyllis Stowell, former principal at both St. Francis Cathedral School and Santo Niño, said, "Generally most of us are a little unsure of what the reason is for (the Vatican-appointed apostolic visitor) and what the outcomes might be. There's a lot of uncertainty."

Catherine Mueller, president of the Sisters of Loretto, based in Denver, said she participated in a Skype (Internet) interview in June with Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Mother Mary Clare Millea, who heads the Vatican project.

"Mostly it was about her listening to us talking about our own observations and hopes," she said.

The next step in the process is for every community (except for those of cloistered, contemplative nuns) to complete a survey about their activities. The third step, Mueller said, will be face-to-face interviews and on-site visits.

As for the underlying purpose, Mueller said, "I could speculate, but that would not necessarily be helpful for anybody."

"I think there's some wonderment, not knowing exactly the motivation," she continued. But, "We are living out the charism of the Loretto Community. We feel what we are doing is in synch with what we are committed to do."

Her community is willingly participating in the process, Mueller said. "We are part of it, and we don't know what the outcome will be," she said.

Bud Ryan, a peace activist and member of Pax Christi New Mexico, recalled a quote from Romans 14:19 in which St. Paul says, "Let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up."

As for the ongoing investigation, he said, "I don't see how this is building up the women of the church in America. It seems to be trying to tear some of them down. I don't understand what the Vatican is doing. The nuns I've met over the years do some of the most incredible gospel work out there. The church should be building these nuns up, not investigating them."

Contact Anne Constable at 986-3022 or aconstable@sfnewmexican.com.