The Church as Bride of the Word shows forth in an exemplary way in those dedicated to a wholly contemplative life the mystery of her exclusive union with God. For this reason the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Vita Consecrata presents the vocation and mission of cloistered nuns as a sign of the exclusive union of the Church as Bride with her Lord whom she loves above all things. Showing how they are a unique grace and precious gift within the