When they changed the packing in my vagina the first time it was hard to tell which was worse, the physical pain or the mental. On either side of me the two Sisters of Charity held my hands and tried to comfort me but it did little good. At last it was mercifully over and I cried myself to sleep.

When I awoke I was somewhat relieved to find that much of the pain had subsided. Sitting in the chair next to my bed was one of the Sisters that I hadn't seen before. Seeing that I was awake she introduced herself as Sister Helen. She was an extremely personable individual and I found talking with her very easy.

Over the next week Sister Helen spent a lot of time with me an I found myself eager for her visits. I learned that she was a psychologist and that she wanted to help me make the mental adjustment to the accident which had befallen me. Only two weeks before I had arrived at the hospital from the monastery to have my undecended testicle operated on. The next day there was a mix-up in the operating rooms and I was given a sex-change operation that some other young man so badly wanted. The shock of learning what had happened was almost unbearable.

After several days with Sister Helen I began to resolve myself to what had happened. One afternoon while we were talking I said, "They aren't going to let me go back to the monastery are they Sister?" "Mark would you even want to go back if you could? You'd be one woman among 27 men." I thought about it for a minute and said, "No, I guess it wouldn't be right. I'm going to miss it badly though. Ever since I was a little boy I've wanted to be a Brother. I was really happy the last 3 years. What's going to happen to me?"

She looked at me sympathetically and said, "Mark I don't have any good answers for you. A lot is going to depend on you and how well you are able to make the adjustment to being a woman. At times it's even hard for the boys who come here wanting to become women. Then to I think a lot is going to depend on whether or not you decide to remain in the religious life."

This last remark of hers puzzled me and I said, "But Sister Helen I thought you just said that going back to the monastery was impossible.?" A smile came to her face and she replied, "Yes I did say that. Mark there is another option open to you now. I wasn't going to mention this quite yet but I guess you're ready to hear it now. Mark there are many women like myself who are very happy in the religious life. You could be to if you wanted."

Her word hit me like a truck. "You...you mean?" "Yes Mark I do. In the past few days I've spoken to the Superior Generals of several orders and discussed your case with them. All of them were most sympathetic and asked me to extend to you an invitation to join them when you are recovered. Each of them even gave me material for you to read which describes their order. Mark there is a place for you but it will be your decision."

I was to stunned to say anything and she said that she would see me in the morning. Before leaving she put a pile of pamphlets on the table next to my bed. I tried not to look at them. The whole idea was just to preposterous. In my mind I still felt every bit as masculine as I ever had and the whole idea was alien to me.

The next morning Sister Helen arrived just after they had changed my packing. She spoke quietly to the nurse who was just leaving but I could hear there conversation. "How is she doing?" "She's healing nicely. Her breast bandages will come off later this afternoon. Sister perhaps you could begin discussing the matter of clothing with her. The doctor says that she really must start wearing a bra soon to give her breasts proper support. It would be nice if she would wear a nightgown to." "I'll speak with her about it."

My face was beet red when she came over to me. "You heard?" "Yes. Don't worry I'm not upset, just embarrassed." "That's understandable. Want me to get you the things you'll need?" "Might as well. I'll have to get used to wearing all that crap sooner or later." "I'd hardly call the things women wear crap Mark." "I'm sorry Sister, just feeling sorry for myself. Just don't get me anything fancy." She laughed and said, "Ok, easy on the lace." I suddenly found myself laughing for the first time in nearly to weeks. It hurt to.

When I finally stopped Sister Helen said, "Mark I can't tell you how happy I am. That was the best thing in the world for you. Feel better?" "You know I really do Sister. Thanks." "My pleasure. I see you didn't look at the material I left you. Would you like me to take it away when I leave?" "Sister were you really serious about all that?" "Yes Mark I was. Given your background I felt it was an option that you should seriously consider. Certainly life in the convent is much different than what you were used to but now that you're a woman life is going to be much different anyway. Besides I hate to see a vocation wasted. Think about it." "Ok leave the stuff but no promises."

Later that day she came back with several plain white bras and helped me into one. She also brought two long white lawn nightgowns. "These are the kind the other Sisters and I wear. No lace you'll notice. I hope you don't mind the ruffle at the throat and cuffs. How does it feel?" "Not bad. I'll get used to it." "Mark we've got to start planning on some other things for you also. You'll be leaving here in a week or so and you're going to need more than a nightgown." "You mean a dress and that kind of thing." "Well that really depends on what you decide to do. The things you'd wear on the outside would be much different than if you entered the convent."

Turning to the table at the side of my bed I picked up the pamphlets for the first time. There were six of them. Sister Helen said nothing as I leafed through them. Each had at least one picture of a Sister showing what their habit was like. Compared to the monks robes I had worn in the monastery they were quite striking and elaborate. Pausing at one picture I said, "I wonder how I would look in one of these." "Just like the Sister in the picture does Mark. She's a Sister of Mercy. They have a Mother house here. Sister Theresa their Mother Superior is a lovely person. She was very compassionate when I told her about you and hoped very much that you'd go with them if you chose to enter the convent. Mark I sense a decision."

I sighed and said, "It's the only sensible and logical thing to do. Will you call Sister Theresa and tell her?" "Oh Mark I'm so happy and proud of you! I'll call her and make all of the arrangements first thing in the morning. Mark I guarantee that some day you will look back and see that this is the wisest decision you ever made."

During the next week I thought about it a lot, often wondering whether I had made the right decision. On the day I was to be discharged Sister Helen came to my room after my examination. She had with her a suitcase. "My going away outfit?", I asked. "You could say that. We've arranged that I'm to drive you directly to the Mother house from here. There has been a slight change in plans though. After some thought it's been decided that under the circumstances it would be best for you to spend a year in the novitiate before taking your final vows." "What's the difference?" "Well not much really. Once she enters the novitiate a girl is considered a full member of the Order. You'll learn all about it once you get there. Your novices habit that I have here is of course all white instead of black. Ready to put it on?" "I guess so."

A half hour later when she finished with me I felt very strange. "How do I look Sister?" "Wonderful! Just wonderful. You are now officially a Sister of Mercy dear and Mother Superior asked me to tell you that the name that has been chosen for you is Sister Agnes Marie. Congratulations Sister!" With that she kissed me.

When I saw myself in the mirror I was stunned. I really did look like a nun. Most of all I was struck by my headdress and the way the tight starched wimple and coif framed my face. With the long white veils flowing down from my head I felt like a completely different person. Turning to Sister Helen I said, "I almost can't believe this is real." "I can imagine. It's a remarkable change for you." "Am I really a nun now Sister?" "Yes you are and you're going to be a very good one too. I know you still think of yourself as a man Sister but in time those feelings will fad. Being in the convent with only other women around will cause you to identify more and more with them. It will be hard in the beginning. You'll be awkward and unsure of yourself but your Sisters will be there to guide and train you. Now what do you say we go? The Sisters are all very anxious to meet you."

The welcome I received at the Mother house was incredible. All of the Sisters, young and old, told me how wonderful they thought I was for having decided to become a nun. There were seven other novices and they all seemed especially excited about my being there and one of them.

Once Sister Helen had left, Sister Grace who was in charge of novices took me to a small room. Once we were seated she said, "Sister Agnes I am very pleased to have you as one of my novices. I look at it as a very special challenge in your case. Sister Helen has explained that you still think of yourself as a man but we will change all of that. For some time you will need very close supervision until you learn the routine of the convent and what is expected of you. I'm sure you couldn't even dress yourself properly yet. I don't suspect you've ever even worn a skirt before today have you?" "No Sister I haven't." "Well now that you're a woman you'll get used to them Sister. Now I've assigned you to share a room with Sister Angelica one of the other novices. She'll help you dress and take care of your things until you are able to do so on your own. Come along and I will show you to your room."

When we arrived Sister Angelica was there. She was all smiles as Sister Grace introduced us. "I'll leave you two alone now to become better acquainted." When she was gone Sister Angelica said, "Oh this is so exciting! I'm so glad Sister assigned you to room with me. I just know we'll get along famously. Why don't we sit down. You must be very tired after all that has happened."

When we were seated I said, "Sister doesn't it bother you that I'm a man." "Oh heavens no. Besides you're not a man any more. Mother Superior would never allow a man into the convent much less make him a Sister. All of us just think you're so special for deciding to enter then convent and choosing the Sisters of Mercy. I just know that you are going like being a Sister much better than being a Brother." "I'm not sure that will ever happen Sister. Despite all of this I still feel very much like a man and I'm really scared."

With genuine concern on her face she said, "Oh you poor dear. We all take being women for granted and expected you to feel the same. It must be an awful shock to suddenly find yourself a woman and only a few weeks later in a convent. I only hope you'll let me help you through these difficult times Sister." "Thanks Sister, I think I'm going to need lots of help if I'm going to make a go of this. I was never trained to be a woman or a nun." She giggled and said, "I know how to be both and I'll teach you."

We chatted for another hour and then she showed me all of the things that had been provided for me. All of course were appropriate for a nun and included a number of both dress and work habits, shoes, shawls, and nightgowns. With the nightgown were several short veils. "Yes we even wear a veil to bed." I just sighed and wondered what my mother and father would have though if they were alive and could see their only son inspecting his new Sisterly garb.

A little later we all assembled for chapel. Sister Angelica showed me how to draw the shorter of my two veils forward to cover my face and then we joined the other novices in the procession. In a strange way it felt rather the same as when I was in the monastery except that now instead of being cowled I was veiled.

So started my new life as a woman and a nun. Gradually I began to adapt and behave like the other Sisters. Mother Superior and Sister Grace often complemented me on what a fine young Sister I was becoming. I would always blush a little and thank them for all they had done in helping me adjust to my new life as a nun.

Two months after my arrival an outing was arranged for we novices. It was to be my first time outside the Mother house since I arrived. I spent almost and hour making sure that my habit and headdress were perfect. Our destination was the Sisters of Charity Mother house where we were to have a lawn party with the novices there.

It was great fun and at one point I heard someone behind me say, "Sister Agnes you look wonderful!" I turned to see Sister Helen. "Oh Sister Helen! How wonderful to see you! I was so hoping I would." After hugging me to her she said, "It has all worked out beautifully hasn't it dear?" "Yes I guess you were right Sister. Sometimes it's a little hard because I still feel like a man. I'm really happy though that I decided to become a nun. Despite how I feel I just love being with all the Sisters." "Have you decided whether or not you're going to take final vows?" "Yes I'm going to take them. I could never leave the convent now." "I'm glad and very proud of you. I'll be there of course. Sister would you do something for me?" "Anything Sister." "When you take your vows Sister I would be honored if you would wear my wedding gown and veil." "Oh Sister It would be an honor!"

The rest of the day was wonderful. We even had a short basketball game with the Sisters of Charity novices. When we won they laughingly complained that it was unfair because I had once been a boy. To this my roommate Sister Angelica said, "Well she certainly isn't anymore. Sister Agnes is as much a woman as any of us." I blushed a little and was glad they couldn't read my mind. Mentally I was still very much a boy despite my feminine appearance.

Sister Angelica and I sat next to each other on the bus on the way back to the Mother house. As we went along I was suddenly shocked to see the two Sisters in the seat ahead of us lean over and give each other a quick kiss. I turned to Sister Angelica in surprise and she put her finger to her lips whispering, "I explain later when we're alone."

That night when we had changed into our nighties she said, "Sister Imelda and Sister Marion are 'special friends'. It's against the rules to have special friends but it happens all the time, even with the older Sisters. Just because we're nuns doesn't mean that we don't feel the need to be loved by someone special." "You mean some of the Sisters are gay?" "Yes but most don't even know it when they go into the convent. There is just a feeling that you like being with women and the convent is wonderful for that." "Do you have a special friend Sister?" "Yes but she doesn't know it." "Why don't you tell her?" "I am."

So Sister Angelica and I became special friends. It wasn't long before just about everyone knew it but nothing was said. Such things happened frequently but were never talked about except perhaps in private. I found that I enjoyed our new relationship greatly even though it never went beyond occasional hugging and kissing when we were alone. To my surprise I found myself at times actually glad that I had been turned into a woman.

It was now eight months since I had arrived at the Mother house. How different I felt now. Even though I still felt like a man there was no doubt that I wanted to remain in the convent and spend my life as a nun. I felt a sense of deep satisfaction at being part of this community of wonderful women. Even my habit had become pleasurable to wear. As I went about my daily activities, I very much enjoyed the caress of my long skirts. Then to I had become addicted to the wearing of a veil and tight headdress. It was funny that although we sometimes complained about them all of us spent hours caring for our wimples, coifs, and bibs making sure they were stiffly starched and immaculate.

Probably the single most exciting thing about all of it was that here I was a man, at least mentally, living the life of a nun. So far as I knew no man had ever been allowed to enter the convent and yet here I was being trained to be a Sister of Mercy. I was in a women's world surrounded by women and very happy.

Two months before we novices were to take our final vows Sister Grace gathered us to plan our preparations. It was very exciting for all of us especially me. No man had ever been allowed to attend much less be a participant in this extremely feminine ceremony. That night when we went to our room Sister Angelica hugged me to her saying, "Oh I'm just so excited! In just two month we'll be full Sisters! You're not having any second thoughts or doubts are you Agnes?"

I smiled at her and said, "Angelica darling I've told you how I feel about all of this. I may have a woman's body but inside I have a mans mind. In two months I will take my vows and become the first man ever to become a nun. I can't even begin to describe how excited and happy I am just thinking about it." "Agnes sometimes I think you've become more feminine in your thinking than you like to admit." "Well maybe a little."

Though I didn't tell her, by then I knew exactly why I was doing what I was. I had come to love the idea of a life in skirts and among women. What better place for this than in a convent. It made me wonder whether perhaps there were other boys and men who would be happier and much better off in the Sisterhood.

Several weeks later I received a visit from my old friend Sister Helen. With her she had brought all of her bridal things as she had promised. "You're a little smaller than I was when I wore this Sister. I'm sure some of the other Sisters will be able to take it in and shorten the hem. I'm very much looking forward to seeing you in it. Do you ever regret what happened last year?" "No Sister, not anymore. I'm happier than I've ever been. When you first proposed the idea of my becoming a nun I thought it was crazy but not anymore. I don't know how I'll ever be able to thank you enough for making this possible."

Tears formed in the corner of her eyes and she said, "I'm very proud of you Sister. It has given me great pleasure to see you and hear reports of your progress in the Sisterhood. Brother Mark is all gone now and in his place Sister Agnes Marie a lovely young nun. I only wish I could tell the whole world about your wondrous transformation. It's truly a miracle!"

Finally the big day arrived and it was even more thrilling than I had hoped. I won't describe the ceremony itself as it is a very special and private thing. There was a reception afterward for the eight of us. We remained in our beautiful wedding gowns and of course were the center of attention.

Finally the time came and amid a shower of rice we hurried off to change into our new habits. Sister Angelica and I excitedly helped each other and I nearly swooned when I saw myself. The contrast of the severe black habit and veils against my white headdress and bib was striking even though I was used to seeing the other Sisters that way. Now I not only looked like a real nun but was one for life. Before hurrying back down Sister Angelica and I hugged and kissed each other.

We all received many complements from the other Sisters when they saw us. Sister Helen came over and kissed me saying, "From the day I first saw you Sister I knew that you would look well in black. Good-bye now Sister and I hope you'll come visit me sometime." With that she was gone and I knew that she was pleased by what she had done to me. I also knew that soon there would be more young men like myself who would wake up in that hospital and find that they had been converted accidentally into women. Of course Sister Helen would be there to help them in the same way she had me. The experiment had succeeded with me and now there would be a steady stream of former males entering the Sisterhood. It was a diabolical plan but I felt no sympathy for these young men. In fact it was exciting to think that somewhere there was a carefree boy who had no idea that his future was in the convent as mine was.