Micjer....I was educated by the Dominican nuns. I know all there is to know about how to go to hell
A local priest tells me that the Dominicans were quite instrumental in the Inquisition. Eeek!!
I wasn't a Catholic - it was a multi-faith school - and given my enthusiasm for discovering 'God', I was as happy as Larry there. However, as time went by I did notice the tears and terror that some Catholic girls experienced for what seemed quite small things - like not going to church on Sunday. The Sisters would occasionally swoop down on a child and ask what colours the priest had worn at mass - heaven help her if she didn't know.
Literally.
But on the subject of nuns and children, a Sister I've heard of now has an interesting definition of what an 'open heart' means. She believes that we are born with open hearts - if you look at a baby it is ready and willing to be happy, laugh and to love you. It doesn't see the mucky side in you or in life. It is eager to explore the world and appears so engaged with everything in a joyous manner.
Time closes hearts - according to this Sister - but if we take some cues from babies, along with the wisdom and experience we've gathered over time to aid our discernment, we can open them up again.