Nuns on the Run

The Mother Superior watches calmly as the bishop’s face goes pink.

“This convent belongs to the Church,” he says.

She thinks, You banned new recruits to our order so we’d die out and the Church could take what the Poor Clares built up over centuries. You’re a corrupt, greedy man.

But she says, “The convent is ours by rights. We simply used a legal loophole to change the by-laws.”

“I remind you of your vows of poverty,” says the Bishop.

“I think St. Clare would agree we've served her order faithfully and need respite in old age—which isn't what the Church intended,” the nun says.

He changes tactics. “We’ll block this foolishness in court,” he says.

The Mother Superior allows herself a small smile, “The money was transferred and the new owners take possession in a week. We’ll be gone by then.”

The Bishop’s face is bright red. He’d expected obedience, not this defiance. “And the paintings and relics?” he asks.

“All sold,” replies the Mother Superior, her smile growing.

The Bishop makes a choking noise, slumps sideways in his chair and rolls onto the carpet.

The Mother Superior takes her time calling for an ambulance.