[maryz]

They take a first name with their vows? Like what we used to have with nuns who would take a "name in religion"? Or do they "take" their born first names? Just curious -- I always like to learn something new!

I don't imagine they're given to the usage common today among Roman Catholics of using the nickname form of the first name, e.g., Fr. Tom?

[FormerLib]

They take a first name with their vows? Like what we used to have with nuns who would take a "name in religion"? Or do they "take" their born first names?

The practice is certainly similar and they always take on a new name, always of a saint.

I don't imagine they're given to the usage common today among Roman Catholics of using the nickname form of the first name, e.g., Fr. Tom?

We always use the full formal version of the name, ie. Fr. Thomas. Yeah, I guess that does make a difference.