Once a Catholic : a novel in stories and poems
Document Type
Thesis
Degree
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Major/Program
Creative Writing
First Advisor's Name
James W. Hall
First Advisor's Committee Title
Committee Chair
Second Advisor's Name
Richard Sugg
Third Advisor's Name
Lynne Barrett
Date of Defense
11-9-2004
Abstract
"Once A Catholic" is a novel about the indelible effects of growing up Catholic.
The novel is told in a series of stories and poems. The first story, "Credo," offers an overview of the rich culture of Catholicism that binds the Daley family together. "Before The Fall" recalls the safety and warmth of that Catholic faith.
Subsequent stories focus on individual family members and events, and the Catholicity that lies at their core. "Holy Orders" tells the story the firstborn male child whose destination is the priesthood. "Finding Ecstasy" is a daughter's story of rebellion through sexual exploration. "Sweet Reconciliation" is the story of a search within oneself for forgiveness, the cornerstone of Catholic upbringing.
"Acts of the Apostle" demonstrates the hopelessness of a faith under attack. The final story, "Holy Relics," demonstrates the never-ending desire for redemption and the important act of returning sacredness to its rightful place.
Identifier
FI14051157
Recommended Citation
Birch, Mona, "Once a Catholic : a novel in stories and poems" (2004). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1682.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/1682
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