"For Love of the Broken Body" NYC Book Talk

About the Book:

At the age of 25, a month into her novitiate, Julia Walsh fell from a cliff and became disfigured. While working toward healing, she felt pulled to religious community life but also toward unresolved feelings regarding her own sexuality, identity and injustice.

Her memoir is a story of pain, questioning, recovery and discovery. What does it mean to exist as a broken body? Why would a young woman dedicate herself to the Catholic Church — as a Franciscan Sister — while others are leaving churches in droves?

Julia writes boldly and honestly about feeling drawn to men and still very much attracted to the world as she considers joining a celibate, religious community. Her story will move readers to reflect on the universal human experiences of being broken and the pull to be part of something bigger than oneself.

Spirituality & Practice Book Review
About the Author:

Julia Walsh is a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration and part of her congregation’s formation team, serving women who are discerning their vocation. She co-founded The Fireplace, an intentional community and house of hospitality on Chicago’s southside that offers spiritual support to seekers, artists, and activists. Sister Julia’s work can be found in publications such as America, Living Faith Catholic Devotional, National Catholic Reporter, Living City, The Christian Century, Chicago Sun-Times, and St. Anthony Messenger. She hosts the Messy Jesus Business blog and podcast and is on Twitter and Instagram as @JuliaFSPA.

Book Talk

In conversation with Bro. Cristofer Fernández, OFM Conv., the audience will have the opportunity to hear about Sister Julia's journey of confronting and embracing life's brokenness, her journey of faith and vocation. We'll also hear about her process of coming about this book project to begin with. There will be an opportunity for guests to ask S. Julia questions during the Q&A. Books will also be available for sale from a local book shop. S. Julia will be available to for book signing at the end of our event.

Host or Publisher Kiara Lounge & Studio