Last Updated on November 23, 2023 by Fumipets
Nuns Embrace Canine Companion: Sister Jennifer, the Devout Convent Dog
Monica Clare, the Sister Superior of the Community of St. John Baptist in New Jersey, has taken the internet by storm with a heartwarming tale of sisterhood that goes beyond the traditional human bonds. The Episcopal nuns of the convent have adopted a stray dog, now affectionately known as ‘Sister Jennifer.’
A Nun’s Love for a Stray Pooch
Monica Clare shared the touching story of ‘Sister Jennifer’ through a viral video posted on TikTok, capturing the hearts of over 800,000 viewers since November 16. The video showcased the deep connection between the nuns and the canine companion they rescued from a local shelter.
A Devoted Chapel-Goer
Despite running six chapel services a day, the video revealed that Sister Jennifer, a border collie mix born on July 7, 2011, is a devoted attendee at every single service. The charming footage portrays Sister Jennifer snoozing on blankets and attentively observing guests during the chapel sessions.
Counting Attendees and Quirky Preferences
In the video, Clare humorously shared that Sister Jennifer enjoys “counting” attendees to ensure all nuns are present. “She gets really peeved if someone is missing,” Clare added, showcasing the pooch’s unique personality.
A Tradition of Animal Companionship
The Community of St. John Baptist, established in the Church of England in 1852, has a long-standing tradition of welcoming animals in need as convent pets. Sister Jennifer continues this legacy, joining a lineage of companion pets, ranging from birds to ponies, that have found solace within the convent walls.
Unique Bonding Moments and Favorite Songs
Clare emphasized the close relationships forged between the nuns and their animal companions. Sister Jennifer, for example, has a favorite song—’Happy Birthday.’ Clare revealed, “Whenever we sing it, she goes completely nuts and wags her tail so hard we think she’s going to fall over.”
TikTok Fame and Uniting Faiths
Sister Jennifer’s story gained unexpected online fame, with the convent’s TikTok post accumulating over 160,000 likes and 1,100 comments. TikTokers from various religious backgrounds shared stories of their pets participating in their worship rituals, demonstrating the universal appeal of the heartwarming bond between humans and animals.
Comments Reflecting Interfaith Pet Connections
The post’s comments section reflects the diverse and heartwarming interactions between pets and worship practices. Users from different religious backgrounds shared anecdotes about their cats, dogs, and even a stray pony in a Catholic school, emphasizing the positive impact of animals in religious spaces.
Sister Jennifer: An Unlikely Internet Star
The caption of the post encapsulates the charm of Sister Jennifer’s devotion: “We have six chapel services a day, and Jennie the Convent dog is so devout she attends them all. Unless she is otherwise occupied by napping on her chair.”
Source: Newsweek
