I left the Rite-Aid today, and as I was about to get into my car, another car pulled up beside it with handicap tags, and an oldish nun got out the passenger side, keeping me from getting into my car. I waited for her, she smiled and thanked me, apologizing for being so slow, as the nun who was driving got out her side and waited.

Once the older nun was out, I got into my car and the two walked away. Before I shut my door, I saw the driver turn, point to the car, and I heard the familiar "chirp-chirp."

Why would nuns have car alarms?

This brings up serious questions for me, an admittedly severely lapsed Catholic who was, after all, at the Rite Aid to buy birth control pills to keep me from getting preggers by my live-in boyfriend. (There are at least three things in that sentence which should offend these nuns.)

What happened to trusting God? What about trusting one's fellow man? We're talking about a Rite-Aid in Haddon Township, for Christ's sake, not a drug corner in North Philly.

What do women who have taken a vow of poverty have to protect, anyway? How about compassion? If someone steals, isn't there at least the chance they're moved to do so out of desperation?

Were they afraid the car might be stolen? It was a four-door, late-90s Oldsmobile. I don't think the skate punks of Cuthbert Boulevard are too interested in joyriding in it.

I guess I probably could have lingered and asked them all these questions. They seemed like friendly enough nuns, though I believe they taught at Paul VI, which is nearby, and they had the same habits (garb) as PVI's nuns.

But, I have to admit...after 12 years of Catholic education, nuns still scare me.