Catherine Draveil at 70: A journey from convent to freedom and self-discovery
11 February 2024 17:47
Draveil's story exemplifies that life changes are possible at any age. Having spent decades as a nun, she bravely chose to shed her religious habit and embark on a journey of self-discovery. She makes it clear in her conversation with "L'illustré" magazine how different she now experiences life.
She spent years being "dead to the world"
Originating from an extraordinarily religious family, Catherine's mother believed that one of her three children should be devoted to God. Despite her personal aspirations to pursue a career in medicine, which she studied for four years, Catherine ultimately succumbed to her mother's wishes due to deep-seated guilt.
In the convent where she spent her days, she faced rigorously enforced rules and physically demanding work. Along with the prohibition of frequent contact with her family and friendships, the emotional toll was enormous on Catherine.
The situation was only made worse by a harsh superior sister who displayed a difficult nature in her interactions with the other sisters.
- All sisters represent Christ. I was in her grip. It took a lot for me to realize this - she confided during her interview with the aforementioned magazine.
She walked away from her convent life after 40 years
Upon reaching her 60s, Catherine resolved to break away from her church vows. Her landmark birthday provoked a realization that she didn't want the remainder of her life to mirror her past decades. In 2013, she took a sabbatical from the convent. By 2016, she bid farewell to her religious habit for good.
- "There is no right age when one can learn to live" - this phrase of Francoise Sagan replaced "Hail Mary" in my life - Draveil relates in her "L'illustré" interview.
Since leaving the convent, Catherine has embraced a completely new way of life. She ventured into online dating where she met her current husband. And over the past decade, she's been skydiving, paragliding, touring the world, and rediscovering herself. At 70, she even got married.
