As a longtime teacher of memoir writing, I have heard countless stories about a Catholic childhood, and not a single one with much pleasure. It's amazing that there are still so many Catholics in the world, when education and church going was made so unpleasant. Wonderful writing, John.
I think the non-flowering inaptly-named Madame Fleurie would be complete chuffed by her former student’s stellar narrative skills. I know I was. A miraculous piece of storytelling.
Oh man — don’t all of us Catholic kids have stories like this to tell (like Sister Monica with the one wooden leg limping around the classroom with her wooden pointer to whack across the back anyone not doing their work to her satisfaction), but you tell yours so well!!! I laughed throughout! Thanks for taking me back 60 years and brightening my day!
I think you must be my brother! Or at least a cousin. I was raised in a Pentecostal church that taught the Old Testament exclusively. By the age of 10, I had made peace with the fact that I was going to hell because I just couldn’t be perfect enough. I thoroughly enjoyed this, especially the part where you threw your rosary away. Thank you.
What a lovely read this Sunday morning! Your story reminds me of so many nun stories I’ve experienced and heard from my childhood. I attended Catholic school from kindergarten all the way to high school. I can relate to the fear and relief you felt. Thank you for sharing.
Another great story, John! I laughed the whole way through. I like to think I turned into one of those bad girls. I used to draw in my catechism book just to make Sister Claire angry.
As a longtime teacher of memoir writing, I have heard countless stories about a Catholic childhood, and not a single one with much pleasure. It's amazing that there are still so many Catholics in the world, when education and church going was made so unpleasant. Wonderful writing, John.
I think the non-flowering inaptly-named Madame Fleurie would be complete chuffed by her former student’s stellar narrative skills. I know I was. A miraculous piece of storytelling.
Oh man — don’t all of us Catholic kids have stories like this to tell (like Sister Monica with the one wooden leg limping around the classroom with her wooden pointer to whack across the back anyone not doing their work to her satisfaction), but you tell yours so well!!! I laughed throughout! Thanks for taking me back 60 years and brightening my day!
I think you must be my brother! Or at least a cousin. I was raised in a Pentecostal church that taught the Old Testament exclusively. By the age of 10, I had made peace with the fact that I was going to hell because I just couldn’t be perfect enough. I thoroughly enjoyed this, especially the part where you threw your rosary away. Thank you.
What a lovely read this Sunday morning! Your story reminds me of so many nun stories I’ve experienced and heard from my childhood. I attended Catholic school from kindergarten all the way to high school. I can relate to the fear and relief you felt. Thank you for sharing.
Wonderful story of faith.🤣. I enjoyed every word. You created great tension though I laughed thru it all.
wonderful essay. I was actually filled with tension as I read it! As if I were watching a horror film.
Another great story, John! I laughed the whole way through. I like to think I turned into one of those bad girls. I used to draw in my catechism book just to make Sister Claire angry.
Love this on many levels...