Nuns’ plans for their assets

WHEN a religious order runs out of members to effectively manage their order, the Catholic Church has mechanisms to ensure their assets continue to support the Church’s mission.

Several religious orders – including St John of God – have, with Vatican approval, appointed like-minded and suitably vetted lay people to manage their affairs.

The Sisters of Charity are likely to follow suit when they can no longer manage their own affairs. They have already done so elsewhere. When asked about whether the nuns will hand over their affairs to a nonreligious person, a source said: ‘Yes, all the appropriate legal and financial arrangements will be put in place. Given the age profile of the order, that is ongoing.’