The Sisters of the Valley are unaffiliated with any religion. They hope to heal the world — one joint at a time. (YouTube Screenshot)
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A group of self-described “eco-feminist” nuns in Merced County is trying to heal the world — one joint at a time.
The Sisters of the Valley are unaffiliated with any religion and don’t live in a traditional convent. The pungent smell of marijuana floats through the air of their farm.
“Look, the average age of a new Catholic nun in America is 78,” says Sister Kate, founder of the sect, which has 22 sisters and eight brothers worldwide. “Christianity is dying all around us. What are people going to do? They need spirituality in their life; we need it for meaning. We are very spiritual beings walking a physical path, and so for that reason we will find ways to connect.”
Their quest is to “heal the world” through the plant-based “medicines” they sell. And, the world is paying attention: The Sisters of the Valley have nearly 50,000 followers on Instagram.
Bill McEwen is news director and columnist for GV Wire. He joined GV Wire in August 2017 after 37 years at The Fresno Bee. With The Bee, he served as Opinion Editor, City Hall reporter, Metro columnist, sports columnist and sports editor through the years. His work has been frequently honored by the California Newspapers Publishers Association, including authoring first-place editorials in 2015 and 2016. Bill and his wife, Karen, are proud parents of two adult sons, and they have two grandsons. You can contact Bill at 559-492-4031 or at Send an Email
