"The 272." Read it ASAP.
And other content from this week
I finished The 272: The Families Who Were Enslaved and Sold to Build the American Catholic Church, by Rachel L. Swarns, last night.
I won’t say I enjoyed it. It’s not really a book to be enjoyed, although Swarns’ writing engaging and otherwise enjoyable.
I will say that it educated me. It moved me. It inspired me. And I think it should probably be required reading for American Catholics.
At a time when so many are disillusioned with the Church, why would I recommend a book that explicitly, horrifically shares some of the worst of American Catholic history?
Because it’s important to see the Church with clear eyes. Because it’s important to differentiate between the Holy Spirit and the people who don’t always listen to him. And because the example of people who were brutalized by priests and kept the faith is worth following.
So, check it out from your library—or, better yet, buy it. It won’t break your faith. But it just might make it stronger.
Some of My Work This Week:
I published an article on Queen Esther and informal leadership for Catholic Women in Business.
The Right-Ordered Life podcast released an interview I did recently with host Stacy Santiago on perfectionism, discernment and trust, and “work-life balance” (if there is such a thing).
I wrote CatholicMom.com’s Gospel Reflection for July 3, on St. Thomas (John 20:24-29).
I neglected to share the latest episode of Catholic Women Lead last week; I spoke with Jamie Rathjen of the Fiat Institute and the Hormone Genius podcast about vocation and identity. She was a wonderful guest!
Content I Found Interesting:
I’m turning 34 in August—solidly in my mid-30s. And while I definitely have days when I think, “Gosh, I didn’t always look this tired,” I concur with
’s excellent (free) Substack essay this week on aging.I’ve been fascinated by the discussions about the affirmative action case the Supreme Court ruled on last week. This Financial Times editorial by Edward Luce was an interesting perspective. (Favorite quote: "The Ivy League could as easily be construed as an affirmative action plan for wealthy white people, which is very far from the progressive brand it has cultivated.")
Natasha Lovely, founder of The Catholic Daughter (which supports Catholic women caring for their parents), wrote a fantastic article for Catholic Women in Business full of advice for women in the “sandwich generation”—those caring for parent(s) as well as child(ren).
Books I’m Enjoying:
My daughter received Too Many Carrots by Katy Hudson for Easter, and we both have it memorized now. She’s adding more and more words to her repertoire, and watching her “read” this book is endlessly entertaining.
I finally got my childhood things (a few keepsakes and several boxes of books) from my parents, so I guess at almost 34, I’m finally totally moved out. I’m glad we never bought the rest of the Madeline books for our daughter (who loves Madeline), because I discovered that I already owned them all! We were both excited. I love the juxtaposition of the silly rhymes with the gorgeous illustrations. (Have you read Madeline in London? Just a delight.)
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