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Former Sisters talk about their reasons for leaving the order. Some realised as they approached 30 that they wanted to have a family after all, others saw that the world was accepting women in a broader range of roles than when they joined the order. As with marriage vows, the stigma associated with leaving the order and breaking a commitment made 'until death’ had largely diminished.
Curator’s notes
Massive changes occurred in the 1970s after the Vatican Council. All aspects of religious practice were up for debate. The Roman Catholic order of Sisters of Mercy underwent fundamental change and the number of novices dwindled.
