I have read this book more than once. It is delightful.
This book is an autobiography written by Mother Catherine Thomas and published in 1957. It tells of her journey as a normal, happy young lady who enjoyed life in its wholesomeness.
She chooses Carmel and eventually becomes the Mother Superior. It tells of her spiritual journey and is charmingly candid and human.
It is good reading for young and old.
You may have to search around for it. It is out of print.
This is a review that sums it up well:
“My Beloved: the Story of a Carmelite Nun is an American Carmelite classic about a young woman, Cecilia Walsh, who answers the call of God and so enters a Carmelite Monastery in New York (later moving to a new foundation in Oklahoma). This is her autobiography. She reveals many things about the hidden life of Carmel… the simplest things often wondered about. She speaks of the work, recreation, prayers, meal times, silence, ceremonies, vows, the Rules and Constitutions and much more of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns. She is very detailed in writing. She does all of this while recounting her own struggles and successes physically, mentally, and spiritually as a postulant, novice, and finally professed sister. It is an absolute delight to read because she is so intimate, simple, and even comical in her writing. It is interesting and captivating… I couldn’t put it down. I read practically straight through it in one setting. It sadly is not published any longer, so one would have to search for a used copy. It has wonderful wisdom for lay as well as religious, and I would recommend it to both as well as those not of the Catholic faith.”
A few pictures from the book (click on first picture to view gallery):
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- A reporter interviewing Mother Catherine
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- A nun arranging one of the original barrack cells on the day of the move.
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- Mother Catherine writing in the barn loft.
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- A nun milking the monastery cow.
Oh, how funny. I just had an online friend recommend “The Mother” by Cardinal Jozsef Mindszenty; it was the opposite… basically talking about the beauty of choosing the vocation of marriage. I was intrigued by it so I ordered it; having my daughters in mind. Now you post this and I am going to have to order that too, just to give balance to them while they discern their vocation! 😀
Fantastic book. I have owned it for years. You really get an understanding for how life in a cloistered convent is, the prayer life, the happiness etc. I also like the book because it shows how God’s grace and calling are everywhere. This nun as a young lady lived in NYC where many would think there is no good possible, yet that is where she received her call to Carmel and entered a convent in the city. I try to imagine all of the good that was accomplished in that city because of the presence of that convent.
Hello Mrs VanderPutten! I just discovered your blog and I just wanted to say HOW much I appreciate it!!! It looks like you are the very blessed Mother of a truly wonderful family! I’ve been devouring EVERY single article and REALLY learning a lot – there is a DESPERATE need among us Traditional Catholic Women for a blog that discusses womens issues and spiritual life – You are a REAL Blessing for so many of us who are SO isolated from other trad catholics in this day and age that is so hard for Catholics to live in… So I just wanted to say a big Thank-You and dont ever quit this blog! *chuckles* 🙂 I have a little blog of my own (link below) where family and friends can share our life online, a little like your blog, that you might enjoy! In Jesus and Mary, Mrs Allen
Thank you so much, Claire, for your very kind words!!
I have read this book, also. I remember mentioned in it that there existed at one time an order of Carmelite nuns who lived an “active” life (not cloistered). I borrowed the book from someone else. Does anyone know anything about this or remember reading it?
We borrowed this book from a friend when I was about eight or nine years old, and I read it then. Later, my mother obtained a copy for our own, and I devoured the book and seriously considered the Carmelite monastery. I am on the hunt for a copy now for my children to read.
I absolutely loved this book.
Any chance I could see her face maybe from postulancy?
To whom it may concern,
My name is Fr. Stephen Arabadjis. I am a member of the Society of St. Pius X. But I am in my 7th year of Sabbatical.
Therefore I was hoping your group could do a 54 day rosary novena for my intentions. But any prayers and sacrifices would be greatly appreciated. I know Our Lady will reward you generously for this.
In Our Lady,
Fr. Arabadjis
P.S. Thanking you in advance, since I don’t always get all my communications
We will certainly pray for you Father…for God’s blessings and healing! 🙏🏻