Mariage mystique
While the most commonly accepted interpretation of the bride of Christ is the Church, there are other, uncommon interpretations. A possible alternate interpretation is to regard nuns as being Brides of Christ, with their taking monastic vows regarded as a "marriage" to Christ and their keeping their vows - as being faithful to that Divine husband. A notable promoter of that interpretation was Gertrude the Great, a highly influential Christian mystic of the 13th Century. It is known that, together with her friend and teacher Mechtilde, Gertrude practiced a spirituality called "nuptial mysticism," and came to see herself as the Bride of Christ.