Woman Becomes a Nun at 17 to ‘Fulfill’ Her Mother’s Wishes. She Recalls Exact Moment She Realized She Had to Leave (Exclusive) 

Former Nun Shares the Moment She Decided to Leave Convent

Maryanne Braverman, now 77, recalls her journey from entering a New York-based convent at 17 to her decision to leave after 10 years. The Vatican granted her permission to part ways with the religious life and enter into secular society in 1975. Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, Braverman sheds light on her experiences and the realisation that led her to leave the convent.

Braverman’s entry into the convent was driven by her desire for independence and a means to escape the constraints of her household. Despite her initial inclination towards science and a career as a pharmacist, she chose to fulfil her mother’s dream by becoming a nun. The convent provided her with the opportunity to pursue education and independence, which she found liberating in the societal norms of the early ’60s.

Unlike traditional cloistered nuns, Braverman engaged in active community work with unwed mothers and troubled children during her tenure at the convent. The institution in Peekskill provided her with college-level classes alongside practical training, shaping her into a compassionate and dedicated member of the religious community. Braverman’s dedication to serving others and her deep involvement in the community made her a vital part of the convent’s operations.

While initially finding fulfillment in her work within the convent, Braverman’s perspective began to shift as she realised her evolving aspirations. Administrative responsibilities within the order led her to contemplate her future path, eventually prompting her to seek therapy. Through introspection and professional guidance, she came to the pivotal decision of leaving the religious life she had committed to.

Taking the leap to depart from the convent, Braverman transitioned into secular work and personal life outside the Church. Her choice to pursue a career in an office setting signified a new chapter of independence and self-discovery. The evolving societal norms and changing attitudes towards religious life provided Braverman with the freedom to choose her own path beyond the convent walls.

After obtaining the necessary permissions from the Vatican to release her from her final vows, Braverman embarked on a journey of self-exploration and adaptation to life outside the convent. Embracing secular opportunities and personal relationships, she navigated the challenges of adjusting to a new lifestyle and discovering her own beliefs and values outside the constraints of formal religion.

Reflecting on her past experiences and the journey that led her to leave the convent, Braverman acknowledges the role of her mother’s aspirations in her initial decision to become a nun. Despite the complexities and challenges she faced along the way, Braverman’s transition from religious life to secular society shaped her into a resilient and independent individual pursuing her own path in the world.

Braverman’s story serves as a testament to the transformative power of self-discovery and the courage to follow one’s authentic path, even in the face of societal expectations and personal commitments. Her journey from the confines of the convent to the boundless possibilities of secular life highlights the enduring quest for personal fulfilment and the resilience to embrace change.