zakonnica

A zakonnica is the Polish word for a nun. A nun is a woman who has taken religious vows and dedicated her life to God within a Christian monastic or religious community. The term "zakonnica" specifically refers to a female member of a religious order. These women typically live in convents, which are communities of nuns, and follow a rule of life, often including vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

The specific roles and daily life of a zakonnica can vary greatly depending on the religious order to which she belongs. Some orders are contemplative, dedicating their lives to prayer and spiritual reflection, while others are active, engaging in charitable works, education, healthcare, or missionary activities. The habit, or religious attire, worn by a zakonnica is also specific to her order and often includes a veil.

The decision to become a zakonnica is a significant life commitment, usually involving a period of discernment, postulancy, and novitiate before final vows are taken. Throughout history, zakonnice have played diverse roles in society, contributing to religious life, social services, and cultural development. The term itself is rooted in the Slavic languages and is a direct translation of the concept of a female member of a religious order.