Sister Jo-Ann writes, “Our local library is holding a writing contest. The only directions are: Write a brief memoir of 100 words or less.”
Below is her entry:
My Life – A Brief Memoir
At 18,
I wanted to be a writer.
I also wanted to be a nun.
My mother didn’t want the latter.
I finally decided.
I told my parents one night in their bedroom.
A dark room,
I went to my mother’s side of the bed
and said, “ I’ve decided.
I want to be a nun.”
My mother said something
she never said before
or ever again.
“Ask your father,” she said.
I walked around to his side of the bed
and repeated it.
He said, “Do whatever will make you happy, Honey.”
And, I did.
I became both.
Sister Jo-Ann Iannotti, OP
( author of I Know Myself As Thief)
I loved Sr. Jo-Ann’s inspired memoir! I first met Sr. Jo-Ann when she was at Wisdom House. As I recall, she was hanging paintings on a wall but wasn’t tall enough to reach! so I helped her.
Then, back when covid was just beginning, a workshop was offered at Mariandale to be led by Sr. Jo-Ann, “Living Lent in the House of Matthew.” The blurb said, “This Lent we are going to journey with the Jesus who inhabits the Gospel of Matthew.” I still have the blurb that I cut out of your catalogue. Mathew’s is my favorite Gospel and gives us lessons I have not followed sufficiently. The lessons of Poverty. The workshop was cancelled because of covid and never again offered, as far as I could learn. I still would love to have Sr. Jo-Ann’s learned wisdom on Matthew. My income is limited these days, and I’m now the full-time solo caregiver for my 95-year old aunt. So most of the time I feel as if I’m living the monastic vow of stability. 🙂 and don’t get to retreats. But I’m not sufficiently living the poverty that Matthew shows us and I would love to have this workshop offered again, however Sr. Jo-Anne envisioned it. And I’d do my best to attend if you ever give this workshop.
I was making a small monthly donation to the Sisters until Jan. 2026. Then my credit card was used fraudulently and had to be reissued. In the midst of my aunt’s issues I didn’t notice or re-submit my cc information but I will today. I’m very grateful for all I’ve been offered by Mariandale. Thank you so much and all good wishes to Sr. Jo-Ann!