The Rulebook Doesn't Lead to Holiness

I highly recommend this book to anyone who respects the truth, and who likes a really good read. Mary Johnson grew from a naïve young woman to a very strong woman with a deep sense of self, despite the repressive system under which she lived. In order to remain true to herself and to her Creator, she eventually takes the very courageous step of leaving the Missionaries of Charity.

It is a fascinating journey and she shares it with great honesty and openness. Lest you think the author is exaggerating, I spent some time in religious life, and Mary’s words rang true to me. My Order was much more liberal and progressive, but there is always someone who thinks they can teach you humility by belittling you. Abasement doesn’t teach humility; it just promotes a poor self-image, which is a totally different thing. 

I particularly identified with Mary’s feelings of suffocation and the sense of dying inside. My prayer life improved 100% as soon as I left my Order.

We can still respect Mother Teresa for the work she did with the poor. But she was human and, as such, she was flawed. I could wish that she had more concern for the sisters in her order. The sisters worked long hours, with little recreation or rest. No consideration was given to those suffering from illness or fatique. Self-flagellation in post-conciliar religious life is shocking. If anyone treats animals as these sisters were treated, we call it abuse.

It didn’t take long for Mary to come to the realization that the Rulebook wasn’t going to lead her to holiness. As in many institutions, the MC rules gave permission to the controlling personalities to bully the vulnerable. 

Mary’s hunger to be touched and loved by a human being is evident. The Rule of Benedict, a sixth century document, stresses the importance of having a trusted friend to work through our thoughts, pains, and ideas. Sister Joan Chittister, in “Songs of the Heart: Reflections on the Psalms”, writes that “intimacy is not a condition, it is a necessity of human growth.”

This book is very well written, very honest, and a real page-turner. I still think it a bit of a miracle that anyone so intelligent, caring, and aware could survive so long in that environment.

...From Patricia Jackel, Alberta Canda.  In her early forties, Patricia Jacel left her accounting career to join a religious order but, after two years, discerned that she could serve God much better outside of the convent.  Returning to accounting work, she continued to take courses in Theology and Ministry.  After some years, she found her special niche as a Parish Business Manager, where she worked to improve hospitality and inclusivity in the parish.  Patricia has written several articles on preparing the parish budget for “Celebrate!” magazine.

Now working for a secular non-profit organization that provides services for immigrants and for the marginalized seeking jobs, Patricia sees the face of God in her co-workers (Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, atheist, and agnostic) as they care for the clients with respect and love.