It is about being who you really feel that you are at that deepest place

I came across An Unquenchable Thirst by accident, actually. I have been a volunteer with the Missionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa's Community) for many years and had the opportunity to know many Sisters and Fathers. I had also been a seminarian with the Roman Catholic Church for 4 years. So when I saw this book come up when I was searching something about the Misssionaries, I was very intrigued.
The next day I went and bought the book, and could hardly put it down, it certainly felt like life came in the way, when all I wanted to see was what going to happen next.

I had always hoped to become a Missionary of Charity, they seemed so perfect and when I was with them, life seemed to make sense. I think for most of us, Religion is that place that we can go to, sometimes immerse ourselves in, and everything will come together.

For me, entering the seminary had done quite the opposite, it was a wonderful experience and yet one that was confusing, hurtful and at times disheartening. When reading Mary's book, it was a healing experince for me. It somehow took a part of the guilt that I carried with me for leaving the church. I felt a glimmer return to my eye. Sometimes you wonder if you are the only one.

It is certainly not only a book for people who have lived a church life at all, at its heart, it is about being who you really feel that you are at that deepest place, and the journey to embracing it, although it may go against what so many say, or beliefs that have been engrained in us, etc. Only at that place can we see our true happiness and self and BE love. It is so thought provoking. I loved it and cannot say enough about it.

I also loved that Mary approached this book with respect for all those involved, Mother Teresa although not perfect, gave our world something special, and especially that of a global awareness of the poor. I was so happy that Mary still carried a love for the Sisters even though they had hurt her in so many ways. That to me is a true sign of grace and embracing the experiences of our life, knowing that everything that has happened to us, has made us who we are today.

This is a wonderful book, Mary takes us on a journey that is one that many of us would never know, and shows us that we are all the same at our core, on a search for who we are!

Matt Simpson is 38 years old and lives in Corunna Ontario Canada with his husband Marco (and their beloved pets!!). He spent 4 years in a Roman Catholic Seminary, and 16 years living with a L'Arche community.