Mountain Sisters: From Convent to Community in Appalachia

Editorial Reviews. Review. "Ever since I met them nearly 30 years ago, I have been inspired by . Mountain Sisters: From Convent to Community in Appalachia .
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Mountain sisters : from convent to community in Appalachia

Lewis and Appleby incorporate into the text poems, songs, and liturgy written by FOCIS members that illustrate the contagious spirit of ingenuity, resourcefulness, hope, and renewal of FOCIS, but also the feelings disappointment, anxiety, and frustration felt by individuals. Part 3, "Working in the Communities," chronicles the many attempted, successful, and failed art programs, co-ops, educational centers, health clinics, and legal services began by FOCIS members.

This broader story of the FOCIS network incorporates Protestants, community members, and a plethora of social service organizations. As the authors detail the web of social services, the reader understands that in the mountains where poverty is pervasive and malignant, determined FOCIS members dedicate their lives to understanding a complex region composed of inequalities.

The final section, "Honoring and Trespassing Boundaries," demonstrates how the former sisters have transcended what they consider the traditional, non-creative, and restrictive boundaries of the convent and religious hierarchy. Claiming themselves as members of the Catholic women's liberation movement, FOCIS members hope they have developed an organizational basis for resistance to social injustice. It is clear that these reformers still struggle with deeply rooted systems of prejudice and inequality, including a church patriarchy that refuses to address women's subjugation.

Nevertheless, the authors of Mountain Sisters hope that FOCIS serves as a model of a religious community that "moved from a community of resistance to a community of support and friendship.


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English View all editions and formats Summary: From Convent to Community in Appalachia chronicles the efforts of the Glenmary Sisters to overcome the stifling rules of the Catholic Church and work for social change with struggling mountain communities. The sisters adopted new freedoms encouraged by the Second Vatican Council in , challenging the Church hierarchy on matters of etiquette and behavior. Their most visible move toward independence was the exchange of their long, dark habit for shorter, more modern dress.

The Church resisted these changes, however, and after several failed attempts to reconcile this and other differences, seventy sisters took dramatic action and left the order in As one sister put it, they felt called to "walk on water.

Mountain Sisters: From Convent to Community in Appalachia - Helen Matthews Lewis - Google Книги

Based on twelve years of research and a wealth of personal experience and oral history, Mountain Sisters is an account of the history of American Catholicism, the war on poverty, and the influence of the turbulent s on the cultural and religious communities of Appalachia. Allow this favorite library to be seen by others Keep this favorite library private.

Find a copy in the library Finding libraries that hold this item History Additional Physical Format: Internet resource Document Type: Helen Matthews Lewis Monica Appleby. Publisher Synopsis "Ever since I met them nearly 30 years ago, I have been inspired by their example. User-contributed reviews Add a review and share your thoughts with other readers. Add a review and share your thoughts with other readers. Similar Items Related Subjects: Glenmary Sisters -- History.

Mountain Sisters: From Convent to Community in Appalachia

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About Helen Matthews Lewis.

Lost Settlements of the Appalachian Mountains Part 1: 3 part series

Books by Helen Matthews Lewis.