At the age of 17, I became a Postulant, the first step in the long process of becoming a Nun – exploring a vocation with the Sisters of Mercy.
The idea for this book all began with the notice of a reunion on what would have been the 50th anniversary of entering the convent at the age of 17. Would I be interested? I wouldn’t miss it!
I was bombarded with memories I didn’t realize were still in storage after all this time, details about what we were taught, the things we did, and how we did them.
Friends wondered how it was that we all came together in the first place and now, after all this time, we all had the opportunity to reunite. Repeatedly I heard, “you have to write a book about what daily life was like – details, I want details.
Who was still a Nun?
To my amazement, when I asked how many of our group were still sisters, the answer was met with one four-letter word, “none.” Now, besides detailing daily life, I had a question to answer.
What happened to cause not just a few, but everyone in our group to return to secular life?
I am eager to share with you my insights, memories and the glimpses into this segment of women’s history! It has been quite an adventure writing Becoming A Nun in the Age of Aquarius.
Please let me know what you found exciting or interesting in my book. Let me know if it struck a bell with you!
Buy the book 
When I showed this book to my neighbor, she commented, “Now that is one book I am going to have to read! I grew up going to Catholic school in the 60s. The memories I have are so mixed. I would love to know more about what life was like for the Sisters.”
thanks Cath, I hope the book answers some of your questions.
How hot was that habit?
Was it warm enough in the winter? Was it made of wood?
Hi Cath, It was made of wool. Polyester wasn’t available, plenty warm in winter
I did mean wool … although my typo made me chuckle.
Was there a cotton version for the summer?
I laughed and cried as I read the first several chapters. What was your group reunion like? Good turnout? Lots of sharing? Not finished reading yet!!
I attended my group’s fiftieth anniversary, their golden jubilee. It was an interesting experience. I found a lot more had left since I did in 1966. Greeting and sharing with at least some of the group over three hours was neat…and reliving some of our experiences during formation years could be hysterical at times.
Hi Joan, Thanks for writing. It sound as though we have similar experiences. I’ll be interested in hearing what you have to say when you finish reading it. I don’t want to give away any of the reunion since it seems you haven’t read it yet………Helen
Hi Helen,
I recently purchased your book after my friend Peg S. mentioned it to me. I entered the novitiate at Madison in the summer of 1962. She was my sponsor. Is that the year you entered?
Hi Mary,
First let me thank you for buying the book. I entered Madison in the summer of 1961. In trying to think of who was in the group in 1962 I have come up with two names. Marilyn Kiernan and Betty Hanky/Hankey. Marilyn was from Waterbury and Betty from Naugatuck. Do you remember either of them? Are you still a sister?