The Forgotten Desert Mothers: Sayings, Lives and Stories of Early Christian Women
Christianity, Religion
Synthetic audio, Automated braille
Summary
"Written in clear, heartfelt language, this book does two things beautifully. It revives lost memories of women leaders in the early evolution of Christian spirituality, thus filling in one more missing piece of women's history. And it calls the reader… to a path of spirituality sorely needed in today's clamorous world: slow down, be quiet, listen for the voice of God deep within your heart. The book's attractiveness is enhanced by a time line, ordination rite, glossary and calendar of feasts in addition to notes and bibliography. Altogether an appealing contribution." —Elizabeth Johnson, C.S.J. Fordham University “Laura Swan illuminates the desert mothers' stories and teachings with the insights drawn from her own experience of the same struggles in the context of modern religious life. There are surely lessons here for every reader." —Jo Ann McNamara Professor Emerita, Hunter College "We've needed a compilation like this for a long, long time. It will make a real contribution to monastic literature, in which these women and their wisdom have been largely lost.” —Joan D. Chittister, O.S.B. "Laura Swan unseals hidden caverns of Christian memory, as she resurrects the stories of these remarkable women who.. .bequeathed to posterity wondrous treasures of Christian wisdom. ..A happy discovery—this book!" —William H. Shannon Professor Emeritus, Nazareth College of Rochester "This is a mother lode of old holy wisdom, kept secret in the Spirit's hidden design and now passed to new generations when it is most needed." —Megan McKenna Laura Swan, O.S.B., holds graduate degrees in theology and spirituality. She is currently prioress of Saint Placid Priory, a Benedictine monastery in the Pacific Northwest.