Mary Lou Kownacki was a Benedictine nun, poet, and renowned peace activist who co-founded Pax Christi. For years she served as Joan Chittister's writing partner in the Erie, PA, religious community they lived in. But it was in her beloved blog, "Old Monk's Journal," that she delighted readers, sharing her most intimate insights and writings. There, for over 12 years until shortly before her death in 2023, Mary Lou gave readers a rare glimpse into monastic life from the inside. In hundreds of personal blog posts she chronicled current events, reflections on her decades as a nun, stories of friends, poetry recommendations and profound insights on life's purpose and mortality. Follow along as Mary Lou navigates the personal questions, concerns, and joys of her final chapter as a Benedictine woman. Through her experiences of living simply, seeking God, and advocating tirelessly for peace and justice, these pages offer timeless wisdom on faith, community, activism, and what truly matters. For those seeking insight on a life well-lived, these pages offer Mary Lou Kownacki's lasting spiritual legacy.
Industry Reviews
"Encounter Mary Lou's phenomenal gift for turning hearts gently to the beauty and sacred all around us, and for courageous acceptance of death while relishing life with joyful endless curiosity and gratitude." ?Dr. Mary McAleese, President of Ireland 1997-2011; professor emeritus, Children, Law & Religion, University of Glasgow "If you're lucky, over the course of your lifetime you get to walk some of the way with people who know just what word to offer you. I'm thrilled new readers will get the opportunity I had to experience the accompaniment of Mary Lou." ?Johnny Zokovitch, executive director, Pax Christi USA "Mary Lou Kownacki's fierce tenderness and prophetic vulnerability resonate deeply." ?Kate McElwee, executive director, Women's Ordination Conference "One of our greatest teachers of a spirituality of nonviolence. Mary Lou's book is one I will return to for insight and consolation on the everyday journey of peace." ?Rev. John Dear, author, The Gospel of Peace; director, www.beatitudescenter.org "Mary Lou Kownacki's journal is a treasure." ?Marie Dennis, Catholic Nonviolence Initiative, Pax Christi International "Mary Lou Kownacki proves here, once again, that she is just the kind of healer we need today." ?Mickey McGrath, OSFS, artist, author, story-teller, and speaker "Here's the mystic, fully engaged, in wonder, in pursuit of justice, in endless questions, seeing God's face in all of it." ?Tom Roberts, former editor, National Catholic Reporter
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