Summering With Nuns Is the Hot New Trend This Year - Pajiba

This article by a Catholic High School survivor examines the trending "vow of silence summer" where Gen Z women are choosing monastery retreats over traditional beach vacations.

The piece explores a growing social media trend where young women book stays at Catholic convents and monasteries, participating in activities like gardening and prayer while maintaining silence for days. The author questions whether this movement represents genuine spiritual seeking or potentially serves as recruitment for a declining nun population, noting that the average nun age is 80 with less than 1% under 40. While acknowledging the appeal of unplugging from modern life's hectic pace, the writer suggests more affordable secular alternatives for finding peace and spiritual connection.

• Monastery retreats are becoming so popular that some locations are fully booked according to TikTok users
• The Catholic Church faces declining membership and financial challenges, making young women's interest particularly significant
• Retreat costs range from $125-305 per night at various religious centers
• Alternative spiritual experiences like camping and nature immersion offer similar benefits at lower costs