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A Saint and a Sinner: The Rise and Fall of a Beloved Catholic Priest
Ex-priest Stephen H. Donnelly’s memoir, A Saint and a Sinner, is an immersive experience into the world of a Catholic priest and a brutally honest account of one priest’s journey of sinfulness; a cautionary tale of the struggle between good and evil that exists within all of us. At age 42, Stephen was ordained a Roman Catholic priest. As he stood before God, the bishop, and the congregation, he made promises he struggled to keep. Three years into his priesthood, he descended into a world of cocaine and alcohol abuse. Fellow priests intervened, and after multiple stints in rehab, Stephen turned his life around and became well-known in Alcoholics Anonymous circles as the “Irish priest with a problem. During his seven years as Associate Pastor of St. Patrick’s Church, Huntington, New York, he became known among parishioners as a “rock star.” They were among the best years of his priesthood. He was the man, the Catholic, and the priest at his absolute best. But in 2018, while assigned to a new parish, the unthinkable happened, and it threatened to destroy everything he held dear.“A Saint and a Sinner is one of the most riveting memoirs I have read this year. The story was a candid look at one man who battles his inner demons. Whether you are religious or not, you will definitely find this a thought-provoking read. It was also a page-turner –the story is so captivating that you will have a hard time putting the book down.” -Thomas Anderson, Editor-in-Chief of the Literary Titan
- GenresNonfictionMemoirReligion
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2020
32 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
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August 30, 2021
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All Stephen Donnelly wanted for most of his life was to become an ordained Catholic priest. In 1997, at age 42, he fulfilled that dream and pledged his commitment to God. A few years into his priesthood, however, Stephen began a very dangerous relationship with alcohol and cocaine, often snorting cocaine several times a day. Of course, Stephen’s addiction was discovered by the Church and he was sent by the diocese to rehab, but, as is the case with most addicts, it didn’t stick and he continued to drink and use for years. Stephen felt like he had failed his parishioners and God Himself, especially after several unsuccessful stints in rehab. Finally, Stephen became clean and returned to the Church, but the politics within the Holy Organization was in full swing, and he was excommunicated after a woman made a false claim against him. Stephen was then forced to start his life over again, giving up his lifelong dream.
“A Saint and a Sinner: The Rise and Fall of a Beloved Catholic Priest” is a devastatingly emotional and honest memoir of a fallen priest, Stephen Donnelly (co-written with Diane O’Bryan).
Donnelly describes his journey to the altar in a lot of detail, providing an interesting behind-the-scenes look at the world’s most popular religion. Donnelly’s relationship with God never waivers, especially through the challenging times of his life, and his commitment to the cloth is respectable.
Donnelly holds nothing back, and he is very open about his struggles, not just with addiction, but with his absent father and his failed relationships with women. He manages to talk positively about the Catholic church as an organization, even though (in my opinion), it abandoned him. Donnelly does not ignore the recent scandals and cover-ups within the Catholic Church and although he knew and worked with priests who were involved, he is adamant that he never had any inappropriate relationships with children. This is believable, of course, due to his candor and honesty in his writing, and it makes him a likable and approachable narrator.
Donnelly portrays himself as a human being, with his own flaws and faults, as well as a Priest, one often being considered separately from the other. He manages to tell his tale without finger-pointing or laying blame, and accepting responsibility for any of his actions.
“A Saint and a Sinner” is thought-provoking and engaging, and will leave an impression on the reader, regardless of religious belief. The in-depth examination of the Catholic Church was refreshing to see, as many of the minute details are often kept hidden from the general public, and it is evident that an overhaul of the policies and procedures is desperately needed. I bonded with Donnelly, feeling empathy for him whether his situation was self-induced or not, and hoped for a happy ending.
All Stephen Donnelly wanted for most of his life was to become an ordained Catholic priest. In 1997, at age 42, he fulfilled that dream and pledged his commitment to God. A few years into his priesthood, however, Stephen began a very dangerous relationship with alcohol and cocaine, often snorting cocaine several times a day. Of course, Stephen’s addiction was discovered by the Church and he was sent by the diocese to rehab, but, as is the case with most addicts, it didn’t stick and he continued to drink and use for years. Stephen felt like he had failed his parishioners and God Himself, especially after several unsuccessful stints in rehab. Finally, Stephen became clean and returned to the Church, but the politics within the Holy Organization was in full swing, and he was excommunicated after a woman made a false claim against him. Stephen was then forced to start his life over again, giving up his lifelong dream.
“A Saint and a Sinner: The Rise and Fall of a Beloved Catholic Priest” is a devastatingly emotional and honest memoir of a fallen priest, Stephen Donnelly (co-written with Diane O’Bryan).
Donnelly describes his journey to the altar in a lot of detail, providing an interesting behind-the-scenes look at the world’s most popular religion. Donnelly’s relationship with God never waivers, especially through the challenging times of his life, and his commitment to the cloth is respectable.
Donnelly holds nothing back, and he is very open about his struggles, not just with addiction, but with his absent father and his failed relationships with women. He manages to talk positively about the Catholic church as an organization, even though (in my opinion), it abandoned him. Donnelly does not ignore the recent scandals and cover-ups within the Catholic Church and although he knew and worked with priests who were involved, he is adamant that he never had any inappropriate relationships with children. This is believable, of course, due to his candor and honesty in his writing, and it makes him a likable and approachable narrator.
Donnelly portrays himself as a human being, with his own flaws and faults, as well as a Priest, one often being considered separately from the other. He manages to tell his tale without finger-pointing or laying blame, and accepting responsibility for any of his actions.
“A Saint and a Sinner” is thought-provoking and engaging, and will leave an impression on the reader, regardless of religious belief. The in-depth examination of the Catholic Church was refreshing to see, as many of the minute details are often kept hidden from the general public, and it is evident that an overhaul of the policies and procedures is desperately needed. I bonded with Donnelly, feeling empathy for him whether his situation was self-induced or not, and hoped for a happy ending.
October 24, 2021
A Saint and A Sinner is a riveting memoir of a beloved Irish Catholic priest’s rise from being the best priest in the congregation achieving rock star status to fall, becoming the Irish priest with a problem spiraling downhill as he abused cocaine and alcohol.
Within its pages is the story of a man that will capture your attention, and keep you turning those pages - full of insights and a harrowing story of someone’s rocky life, battling with addictions, and the demons of keeping his vows to the church and celibacy.
This memoir is as real as it gets! Wow what an incredible read.
Within its pages is the story of a man that will capture your attention, and keep you turning those pages - full of insights and a harrowing story of someone’s rocky life, battling with addictions, and the demons of keeping his vows to the church and celibacy.
This memoir is as real as it gets! Wow what an incredible read.
October 1, 2021
Beautifully crafted, insightful, and painful, this memoir is among the most important to read. Mr. Donnelly has always been willing to examine his own actions closely throughout his life. At no point does he attempt to distort his transgressions or crimes to make them seem like misdemeanors. It is a compelling read because of his courageous honesty.
The infinity symbol represents eternity, and there are a few sayings that describe it: two sides of the coin, the Good and the Bad, Yin and Yang, God and the Devil, the Phoenix and the Dragon, and the Light and the Shadows. What is the point of this? There are two facets to the world: both showcase nature's plan for the world. There may be a deep connection between life's events and feelings. In the face of irony, Donnelly realizes the full impact of his life. In spite of being an admired priest, he was an alcoholic, a drug addict, a thief, and was engaged to a woman he eventually cheated on. His kindness towards his parishioners was sincere, touching, and heartfelt as a devout, hardworking priest who cared for people. Furthermore, he was a master at rationalizing his ignoble behavior due to his cunning, deceitful, and deceitful nature. I was intrigued by this book for several reasons, including the fact that I couldn't imagine how anyone could reconcile a life of such schizophrenic proportions. But amazingly he does exactly that. Falling from grace was a gradual but steady process for Donnelly. Recovery for him had been two steps forward, one step back. Introspection and self-knowledge were required after each transgression and humiliation. To gain insight into altering his course, he had to repeat some lessons many times for him to realize what he was doing. A thorough examination of the Catholic church and his faith is part of his unblinking examination of his life. With insight he states, “God didn’t bring you this far to drop you off the cliff. In addition to pointing out the good works and good people in the Catholic Church, he also discusses the politics, pedophilia, and cover-ups of the Catholic Church. Father Donnelly and the church are both saintly and sinners in their nature, and this is easily drawn as a parallel. Within each resides good and bad, humility and ego, kindness and cruelty, truth and lies. The lessons in this book apply to everyone, no matter what their circumstances or how high or low their life rises or falls. This book was mind-blowing and an eye-opener. There is a raw truth written within the pages of the book and the flow of the words implies acceptance of oneself. Using his work as a means of improvement, the author sought solace and redemption. He juggled through life and reality with perseverance, struggling against himself, society and his surroundings. Those who have lived and survived through their battles will find many lessons and inspiration in him. No matter where you fall on the religious spectrum, or if you aren't, it is a compelling and intense story.
The infinity symbol represents eternity, and there are a few sayings that describe it: two sides of the coin, the Good and the Bad, Yin and Yang, God and the Devil, the Phoenix and the Dragon, and the Light and the Shadows. What is the point of this? There are two facets to the world: both showcase nature's plan for the world. There may be a deep connection between life's events and feelings. In the face of irony, Donnelly realizes the full impact of his life. In spite of being an admired priest, he was an alcoholic, a drug addict, a thief, and was engaged to a woman he eventually cheated on. His kindness towards his parishioners was sincere, touching, and heartfelt as a devout, hardworking priest who cared for people. Furthermore, he was a master at rationalizing his ignoble behavior due to his cunning, deceitful, and deceitful nature. I was intrigued by this book for several reasons, including the fact that I couldn't imagine how anyone could reconcile a life of such schizophrenic proportions. But amazingly he does exactly that. Falling from grace was a gradual but steady process for Donnelly. Recovery for him had been two steps forward, one step back. Introspection and self-knowledge were required after each transgression and humiliation. To gain insight into altering his course, he had to repeat some lessons many times for him to realize what he was doing. A thorough examination of the Catholic church and his faith is part of his unblinking examination of his life. With insight he states, “God didn’t bring you this far to drop you off the cliff. In addition to pointing out the good works and good people in the Catholic Church, he also discusses the politics, pedophilia, and cover-ups of the Catholic Church. Father Donnelly and the church are both saintly and sinners in their nature, and this is easily drawn as a parallel. Within each resides good and bad, humility and ego, kindness and cruelty, truth and lies. The lessons in this book apply to everyone, no matter what their circumstances or how high or low their life rises or falls. This book was mind-blowing and an eye-opener. There is a raw truth written within the pages of the book and the flow of the words implies acceptance of oneself. Using his work as a means of improvement, the author sought solace and redemption. He juggled through life and reality with perseverance, struggling against himself, society and his surroundings. Those who have lived and survived through their battles will find many lessons and inspiration in him. No matter where you fall on the religious spectrum, or if you aren't, it is a compelling and intense story.
September 22, 2020
A tale that cried out to be told. There was a time when the people who took the vocation of priest were placed on pedestals. By now, that aura has been removed. That alone shows some bad apples do indeed spoil the whole bunch.
The life of Father Stephen at first seems apocryphal - this reads like - these are the potential pitfalls so avoid them.
Strikingly, this is simply one man's story. It is presented that this is like a Shakespearean tragedy. I actually saw not a small amount of Monty Python and Benny Hill in this. In some ways, I saw Death of a Salesman in this too. It seems trite but this shows the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. The argument of genetics vs. environment gets a vote for environment. A child raised in that lifestyle is more likely to repeat what he thinks is 'normal'.
This is a well-written book that exposes the frailty of the human spirit. I recommend this book to every Catholic on the globe. I also recommend it to anyone interested in a case study on human behavior. This reader’s final analysis of the subject is simple. This man was never meant to be a priest. That is not a statement made to condemn his great work. The work he does as a grief counselor and the help he provides addicts are his true calling.
Perhaps he should have been an Anglican. Be that as it may, it is the Monty Pythonesque aspect that has him brought down, not for the myriad legitimate things he had done, but one he didn't.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
The life of Father Stephen at first seems apocryphal - this reads like - these are the potential pitfalls so avoid them.
Strikingly, this is simply one man's story. It is presented that this is like a Shakespearean tragedy. I actually saw not a small amount of Monty Python and Benny Hill in this. In some ways, I saw Death of a Salesman in this too. It seems trite but this shows the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. The argument of genetics vs. environment gets a vote for environment. A child raised in that lifestyle is more likely to repeat what he thinks is 'normal'.
This is a well-written book that exposes the frailty of the human spirit. I recommend this book to every Catholic on the globe. I also recommend it to anyone interested in a case study on human behavior. This reader’s final analysis of the subject is simple. This man was never meant to be a priest. That is not a statement made to condemn his great work. The work he does as a grief counselor and the help he provides addicts are his true calling.
Perhaps he should have been an Anglican. Be that as it may, it is the Monty Pythonesque aspect that has him brought down, not for the myriad legitimate things he had done, but one he didn't.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
October 17, 2021
Introduction:-
No one in this world is perfect however all of us want to be. But you know the very first step to becoming better is to accept your flaw, have the courage to encounter your mistakes, and take necessary actions to come over your mistakes.
The book is about the story of a priest, Father Stephen. He was a thief and a drug addict too but now he is serving God and teaching humans great life lessons by serving to Christianity. The book is not only about how he has overcome his dreadful past but also about how you can also become the best version of yourself.
My learnings:-
1. Accept your flaws:- As I said earlier, no one is perfect and this book is the living proof of that. Father Stephen's story teaches us that we need to become self-aware and accept our flaws so that we can work on them
2. Mistakes are a part of life:- Everyone makes mistakes. The one difference is whether you learn from them or you keep repeating them. This book touched my heart and made me feel lighter because now I know that no matter what your past was, you make your present and future worth it.
3. You are the power:- Don't let anyone decide what you are, good or bad. You need to decide what you want to be. If you think you are ready to work on your mistakes then no one can stop you. Even god is with those who are ready to help themselves.
Conclusion:-
This book is one of the best reads of this year. It's encouraging, motivational, and it is based on real-life to make us feel more connected. While reading this book, we feel like we are part of it and we can too change our lives if we decide
No one in this world is perfect however all of us want to be. But you know the very first step to becoming better is to accept your flaw, have the courage to encounter your mistakes, and take necessary actions to come over your mistakes.
The book is about the story of a priest, Father Stephen. He was a thief and a drug addict too but now he is serving God and teaching humans great life lessons by serving to Christianity. The book is not only about how he has overcome his dreadful past but also about how you can also become the best version of yourself.
My learnings:-
1. Accept your flaws:- As I said earlier, no one is perfect and this book is the living proof of that. Father Stephen's story teaches us that we need to become self-aware and accept our flaws so that we can work on them
2. Mistakes are a part of life:- Everyone makes mistakes. The one difference is whether you learn from them or you keep repeating them. This book touched my heart and made me feel lighter because now I know that no matter what your past was, you make your present and future worth it.
3. You are the power:- Don't let anyone decide what you are, good or bad. You need to decide what you want to be. If you think you are ready to work on your mistakes then no one can stop you. Even god is with those who are ready to help themselves.
Conclusion:-
This book is one of the best reads of this year. It's encouraging, motivational, and it is based on real-life to make us feel more connected. While reading this book, we feel like we are part of it and we can too change our lives if we decide
July 25, 2021
To be honest, I didn't expect much at first when I started reading this, but just within the first 20 minutes, this book started becoming harder and harder to put down.
This book is the life of Father Stephen H. Donnelly and I must mention this, what a great storytelling this book has. It truly feels like we are living the story. The book is filled with emotions that may make you cry. A truly soulful, thought-provoking, enlightening, engaging read.
As a glimpse of the story, Donnelly is a priest loved by many but at his core, he wasn't the man everyone thought of him. He was an alcoholic, a drug addict, even a thief, and also cheating a woman with whom he has a serious long-term relationship. On the contrary, he genuinely loved people who cared for him. So, as you can imagine by now, the book is a journey of evolution of Stephen Donnelly i.e. from a sinner to becoming a saint.
I can highly recommend this book to anyone who genuinely loves reading, as this book is pretty long and will take up a lot of time to finish, but trust me, you're not gonna regret it. The story will leave its impression on your mind forever.
This book is the life of Father Stephen H. Donnelly and I must mention this, what a great storytelling this book has. It truly feels like we are living the story. The book is filled with emotions that may make you cry. A truly soulful, thought-provoking, enlightening, engaging read.
As a glimpse of the story, Donnelly is a priest loved by many but at his core, he wasn't the man everyone thought of him. He was an alcoholic, a drug addict, even a thief, and also cheating a woman with whom he has a serious long-term relationship. On the contrary, he genuinely loved people who cared for him. So, as you can imagine by now, the book is a journey of evolution of Stephen Donnelly i.e. from a sinner to becoming a saint.
I can highly recommend this book to anyone who genuinely loves reading, as this book is pretty long and will take up a lot of time to finish, but trust me, you're not gonna regret it. The story will leave its impression on your mind forever.
June 5, 2021
Wow! My first time EVER writing a review
You just never understand what really goes on in people’s lives because you are just made to see a priest and just think this is all they do. This man will absolutely stay with me for a long time to come. If he made an impression on me, the people that he physically touched their lives are really lucky.
You just never understand what really goes on in people’s lives because you are just made to see a priest and just think this is all they do. This man will absolutely stay with me for a long time to come. If he made an impression on me, the people that he physically touched their lives are really lucky.
August 25, 2021
•The book revolves around the story of a catholic Priest - Father Stephen Donnelly, how he transformed his life previous life to into a priest, serving the Christianity Religion and preaching about the catholic principles to the people.
•The memoir moreover sounds like a story revolving around you and you living as a character listening to Father Stephen's life.
•Accepting and recognising one's flaws, learning from the past life and the will power to get out of where you have been stuck, no matter what situation you are in- this is what the you can learn from the book.
•I feel the book title describes the book totally 'the best'✨The way this book upholds the power of compelling story telling is what I loved the most- purely raw and original !
•He was a a drug addict, a thief and into alcohol and now a priest! Well yes, this is what the memoir is- a transformation of sinner into a saint.
•As I said when you read, you will feel like you are present there, listening to the story~his previous life incidents, his journey of becoming a priest-some thought provoking, some emotional showcasing how he fights with his inner battles.
•Over all an engaging read, a little lengthy but far enough to keep you turn it's pages and dive deeper into it.
•If you are looking for some raw and orginal life experience, this would be a perfect pick.
•The memoir moreover sounds like a story revolving around you and you living as a character listening to Father Stephen's life.
•Accepting and recognising one's flaws, learning from the past life and the will power to get out of where you have been stuck, no matter what situation you are in- this is what the you can learn from the book.
•I feel the book title describes the book totally 'the best'✨The way this book upholds the power of compelling story telling is what I loved the most- purely raw and original !
•He was a a drug addict, a thief and into alcohol and now a priest! Well yes, this is what the memoir is- a transformation of sinner into a saint.
•As I said when you read, you will feel like you are present there, listening to the story~his previous life incidents, his journey of becoming a priest-some thought provoking, some emotional showcasing how he fights with his inner battles.
•Over all an engaging read, a little lengthy but far enough to keep you turn it's pages and dive deeper into it.
•If you are looking for some raw and orginal life experience, this would be a perfect pick.
October 12, 2021
Book : A saint and a sinner
Version : Kindle / Paperback
Author : Stephen H Donnelly
Ratings : 5/5💫
My Review :
Memoirs always remain in our minds for a longer time. The book a saint and a sinner is the autobiography of an ex-priest, the man who had his share of struggles and addictions at the peak of his priesthood. The book reflects on his life , upbringing, conflicts , hardships , addiction , his zeal not to lose the spirit in life.
The story writing is very fresh and it takes as us through Stephen’s journey. The book begins with the early life of Stephen where he describes about his family.
He belongs to a family of ardent believers who are also into business. His dad climbs up the business stairs and the children of the house are brought up in a strict manner, considering the fact that they will serve religion one day.
Stephen grows up in the way his parents want him to be. During his early adolescence he realises about the separation of his parents. That separation or divorce makes him the man of the house and he still struggles to accept the responsibility.
Growing up Stephen finds it quite a lot of mixture of aims and goals of his life. Though being brought up in a super strict atmosphere , he falls in to the wrong trap of addiction and there begins the struggle of his life.
The struggle is conflicted with his desire to serve God. This tricky situation makes readers glued to the book to know what is in store in Stephen’s life.
The narration of the story is captivating and makes readers emotional in several parts of the story. It is a situation where any of us could have experienced in a different manner. Addiction coming in the way or purpose of life.
What is in store for Stephen ?
Will he come out of his addiction and live a spirited life?
Do read this emotionally charged book to know the answers.
A Review by @karmaleavesnone
Happy Reading
Cheers 🥂
Version : Kindle / Paperback
Author : Stephen H Donnelly
Ratings : 5/5💫
My Review :
Memoirs always remain in our minds for a longer time. The book a saint and a sinner is the autobiography of an ex-priest, the man who had his share of struggles and addictions at the peak of his priesthood. The book reflects on his life , upbringing, conflicts , hardships , addiction , his zeal not to lose the spirit in life.
The story writing is very fresh and it takes as us through Stephen’s journey. The book begins with the early life of Stephen where he describes about his family.
He belongs to a family of ardent believers who are also into business. His dad climbs up the business stairs and the children of the house are brought up in a strict manner, considering the fact that they will serve religion one day.
Stephen grows up in the way his parents want him to be. During his early adolescence he realises about the separation of his parents. That separation or divorce makes him the man of the house and he still struggles to accept the responsibility.
Growing up Stephen finds it quite a lot of mixture of aims and goals of his life. Though being brought up in a super strict atmosphere , he falls in to the wrong trap of addiction and there begins the struggle of his life.
The struggle is conflicted with his desire to serve God. This tricky situation makes readers glued to the book to know what is in store in Stephen’s life.
The narration of the story is captivating and makes readers emotional in several parts of the story. It is a situation where any of us could have experienced in a different manner. Addiction coming in the way or purpose of life.
What is in store for Stephen ?
Will he come out of his addiction and live a spirited life?
Do read this emotionally charged book to know the answers.
A Review by @karmaleavesnone
Happy Reading
Cheers 🥂
October 1, 2021
"All I could think was, 'Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.' I knew in my heart; I could not even cast a pebble."
—
A Saint and A Sinner; The Rise and Fall of A Beloved Catholic Priest is written with a style that truly transcends you into the world of Stephen Donnelly as he navigates his own role as a Catholic priest. Donnelly (@asaintandasinner_memoir) writes an honest piece portraying his struggles between his personal inner good & evil, which cultivates an immersive experience for the reader. Touching on religion, priesthood, broken promises, and substance abuse - we get a detailed glimpse into the sinful experiences that Donnelly faces. It is sure to leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about Catholicism, in the best ways possible.
—
At a staggering 352 pages, I was initially intimidated by this book. I’ve been wanting to explore more religious material - seeing as I lack much understanding of religion & Catholicism in general. Despite my initial intimidation, this book really charmed me. I was hooked after the first few pages & finished it in a mere 2 days. Rather than wanting to skip through parts (like I often do with long reads) - I found myself wanting even more detail about the trials and tribulations that Donnelly faced. The topic of religion is obviously bold in nature, but the stylistic elements written throughout allow for it to be so personalised that you could almost replace “religion” with whatever it is you hold with cherished importance in your own life. The story is more about the journey at-hand, which we can all relate to one way or another.
—
“I’ve watched you in action; you’ve always given your all as a priest. The way you connect with people, your empathy, and even your sense of humor is admirable.”
—
If this story doesn’t leave you with a soft-spot for Donnelly, I’m not sure what will. His character is beloved, and even more so once you watch him work through life’s greatest challenges on one of the biggest stages. His journey will break you, remake you, and leave you feeling englightened. I wasn’t sure if I’d leave this book feeling empowered to recommend it to anyone outside of the Catholic religion (my own ignorance speaking there) — but I can not recommend this more to anyone who enjoys a real life, sort of coming-of-age, experience. Do yourself a massive favor: pick up A Saint and A Sinner, and fall into a wonderful journey alongside Stephen Donnelly.
—
A Saint and A Sinner; The Rise and Fall of A Beloved Catholic Priest is written with a style that truly transcends you into the world of Stephen Donnelly as he navigates his own role as a Catholic priest. Donnelly (@asaintandasinner_memoir) writes an honest piece portraying his struggles between his personal inner good & evil, which cultivates an immersive experience for the reader. Touching on religion, priesthood, broken promises, and substance abuse - we get a detailed glimpse into the sinful experiences that Donnelly faces. It is sure to leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about Catholicism, in the best ways possible.
—
At a staggering 352 pages, I was initially intimidated by this book. I’ve been wanting to explore more religious material - seeing as I lack much understanding of religion & Catholicism in general. Despite my initial intimidation, this book really charmed me. I was hooked after the first few pages & finished it in a mere 2 days. Rather than wanting to skip through parts (like I often do with long reads) - I found myself wanting even more detail about the trials and tribulations that Donnelly faced. The topic of religion is obviously bold in nature, but the stylistic elements written throughout allow for it to be so personalised that you could almost replace “religion” with whatever it is you hold with cherished importance in your own life. The story is more about the journey at-hand, which we can all relate to one way or another.
—
“I’ve watched you in action; you’ve always given your all as a priest. The way you connect with people, your empathy, and even your sense of humor is admirable.”
—
If this story doesn’t leave you with a soft-spot for Donnelly, I’m not sure what will. His character is beloved, and even more so once you watch him work through life’s greatest challenges on one of the biggest stages. His journey will break you, remake you, and leave you feeling englightened. I wasn’t sure if I’d leave this book feeling empowered to recommend it to anyone outside of the Catholic religion (my own ignorance speaking there) — but I can not recommend this more to anyone who enjoys a real life, sort of coming-of-age, experience. Do yourself a massive favor: pick up A Saint and A Sinner, and fall into a wonderful journey alongside Stephen Donnelly.
September 20, 2021
The Human Struggle: Good Versus Evil
Good and evil is present everywhere. In many shapes and forms, good and evil manifest. It is always around us and always within us. Good is that which is morally right. Someone who is good does the right thing regardless of whether or not anyone will know. People of virtue go out of their way to put others first and think about how they can help others and the world around them. A Saint and a Sinner, is one of such journey of a priest and his struggle between good and evil that exists within all of us. This book is a beautiful witness of the life and sacrifice and challenges of a priest. However, it is not a novel, so it doesn't read like one. It is, in fact, even more interesting to read for me. It is also well worth it, especially for those studying about priest, religion and spirituality. I was inspired by this story. I would recommend this book to people that enjoy reading the lives of the Saints and to people that are interested in sprituality. This is a fantastic book! Even though it is told in a very straight-forward manner, the story is one that will make it hard to put the book down.
I couldn't say how readable it is, but it is a contemporary account and that is a rare thing, so even if the words are difficult, it is probably a fascinating read. This is more than an autobiography , best gift for intellectuals.
Highly Recommended!
Good and evil is present everywhere. In many shapes and forms, good and evil manifest. It is always around us and always within us. Good is that which is morally right. Someone who is good does the right thing regardless of whether or not anyone will know. People of virtue go out of their way to put others first and think about how they can help others and the world around them. A Saint and a Sinner, is one of such journey of a priest and his struggle between good and evil that exists within all of us. This book is a beautiful witness of the life and sacrifice and challenges of a priest. However, it is not a novel, so it doesn't read like one. It is, in fact, even more interesting to read for me. It is also well worth it, especially for those studying about priest, religion and spirituality. I was inspired by this story. I would recommend this book to people that enjoy reading the lives of the Saints and to people that are interested in sprituality. This is a fantastic book! Even though it is told in a very straight-forward manner, the story is one that will make it hard to put the book down.
I couldn't say how readable it is, but it is a contemporary account and that is a rare thing, so even if the words are difficult, it is probably a fascinating read. This is more than an autobiography , best gift for intellectuals.
Highly Recommended!
September 27, 2020
I have to admit my initial trepidation to read this book. Knowing it was the memoir of a priest, my thinking was that the narrative would not be relatable because I follow a different faith. I am glad I did not allow my concerns to stop me. The underlying themes are not only relatable but integral to our everyday lives on a conscious or subconscious level; mortal imperfection, remorse and forgiveness woven into the folds of the inescapable truth that our childhood experiences leave their mark on our core through adulthood.
Donnelly’s story is set against the backdrop of far-reaching historical events, including 9/11, rebellion of the 1960s and 1970s, disclosure of child abuse by clergy, and the tragedy of opioid addiction. The journey begins in the 1950s and ends in 2018. The setting is primarily Long Island, New York. In vivid detail, Donnelly describes his family trauma and winding road through priesthood, addiction, duplicity, infidelity, addiction, recovery, regression, reverence and enlightenment.
A hint of the inevitable is in the author’s reflection in the beginning, “As a young child, I realized that if I presented myself as perfect – caring, generous, understanding and compliant – then I could control how people felt about me. At all costs, I wanted to be loved!” In later years, a psychologist put this in perspective when she said, “your father’s rejection of you and your family at such an impressionable age imprinted the fear of rejection and the need to be seen as perfect in everyone else’s eyes.” I felt the exigency at each turn of events, internalizing his pain, seeing the red flags up ahead and wanting to magically transmit a warning through the pages: Beware!
Donnelly overcame gargantuan hurdles and evolved into a reverend priest and friend that deeply touched countless lives. When parishioners, friends and family outwardly acknowledged and celebrated his accomplishments, I wondered why the book did not end there. The fact that there was more to unravel took me by surprise. This book does not have a fairy-tale ending. My impression is that this memoir is meant to be thought provoking, daring readers to consider what haunts us, what we are capable of and, albeit some sins are untenable for some, why we should withhold judgment. I think most readers would agree the author has accomplished that.
Disclaimer: I received an advance copy with a request to review.
My Rating: 5 stars
This review first appeared on my blog
Donnelly’s story is set against the backdrop of far-reaching historical events, including 9/11, rebellion of the 1960s and 1970s, disclosure of child abuse by clergy, and the tragedy of opioid addiction. The journey begins in the 1950s and ends in 2018. The setting is primarily Long Island, New York. In vivid detail, Donnelly describes his family trauma and winding road through priesthood, addiction, duplicity, infidelity, addiction, recovery, regression, reverence and enlightenment.
A hint of the inevitable is in the author’s reflection in the beginning, “As a young child, I realized that if I presented myself as perfect – caring, generous, understanding and compliant – then I could control how people felt about me. At all costs, I wanted to be loved!” In later years, a psychologist put this in perspective when she said, “your father’s rejection of you and your family at such an impressionable age imprinted the fear of rejection and the need to be seen as perfect in everyone else’s eyes.” I felt the exigency at each turn of events, internalizing his pain, seeing the red flags up ahead and wanting to magically transmit a warning through the pages: Beware!
Donnelly overcame gargantuan hurdles and evolved into a reverend priest and friend that deeply touched countless lives. When parishioners, friends and family outwardly acknowledged and celebrated his accomplishments, I wondered why the book did not end there. The fact that there was more to unravel took me by surprise. This book does not have a fairy-tale ending. My impression is that this memoir is meant to be thought provoking, daring readers to consider what haunts us, what we are capable of and, albeit some sins are untenable for some, why we should withhold judgment. I think most readers would agree the author has accomplished that.
Disclaimer: I received an advance copy with a request to review.
My Rating: 5 stars
This review first appeared on my blog
August 30, 2021
Book Review- The Saint and the Sinner by Stephen H Donnely
Introduction:
The book The Saint and the Sinner is a memoir by a Catholic Priest- Father Stephen Donnelly. It starts in 1950 and ends in 2018. This is a well-written work that highlights the human spirit's weakness. It describes how he transformed his life as a priest and his time serving Christianity Religion and also applied the principles into his life along with teaching others. The writing style is story-telling and beautifully written. The readers can easily connect to the book that makes the book more engaging and thoughtful-provoking
About the Author:
At the age of 42, Stephen Donnelly has ordained a Roman Catholic priest after six years of intense study, and he spent the next two decades as a spiritual leader. Stephen takes the reader on a highly intimate yet fiercely human journey of a broken man and his redemption in his biography, A Saint and a Sinner. Stephen received the 'Man of the Year in Religion' award in 2012, presented the 'Fallen on Long Island' drug conference in 2012, was named Grand Marshall in 2015 and received the 'The Peter Sweissgood Award' in 2016. He has been sober for eighteen years and is a member of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Summary:
The plot is straightforward, as the title suggests. Donnelly is a priest who is well-liked by many. Our personalities, on the other hand, are a mix of demons and angels. Donnelly, likewise, was not the man everyone assumed he was at his core. He's a thief, a drug addict, and an alcoholic. He was having an affair with a woman with whom he had been in a long-term relationship, in simple terms, a true sinner. He had a saintly side in that he truly liked people. The book chronicles the priest's entire journey from sinner to saint. The story covers Donnely’s family trauma, and his childhood horrors, and his enlightenment. The guy was never supposed to be a priest.
Recommendation:
You should read this book if:
● Although the book is a memoir of a priest, followers of any faith can read this.
● If you have an interest in knowing about human psychology
● If you are looking for a human behaviour case study.
● The language used is simple and easy to interpret.
Why you should read The Saint and the Sinner?
1. The writing style is very engaging. Readers will get connected with the character as they will continue to read.
2. The book teaches you to accept your past and motivates you to move forward on a positive note, no matter how stuck you feel, there is always a way out.
3. The story narrated his inner demons that everyone faces and one should learn to fight them rather than feed them.
Introduction:
The book The Saint and the Sinner is a memoir by a Catholic Priest- Father Stephen Donnelly. It starts in 1950 and ends in 2018. This is a well-written work that highlights the human spirit's weakness. It describes how he transformed his life as a priest and his time serving Christianity Religion and also applied the principles into his life along with teaching others. The writing style is story-telling and beautifully written. The readers can easily connect to the book that makes the book more engaging and thoughtful-provoking
About the Author:
At the age of 42, Stephen Donnelly has ordained a Roman Catholic priest after six years of intense study, and he spent the next two decades as a spiritual leader. Stephen takes the reader on a highly intimate yet fiercely human journey of a broken man and his redemption in his biography, A Saint and a Sinner. Stephen received the 'Man of the Year in Religion' award in 2012, presented the 'Fallen on Long Island' drug conference in 2012, was named Grand Marshall in 2015 and received the 'The Peter Sweissgood Award' in 2016. He has been sober for eighteen years and is a member of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Summary:
The plot is straightforward, as the title suggests. Donnelly is a priest who is well-liked by many. Our personalities, on the other hand, are a mix of demons and angels. Donnelly, likewise, was not the man everyone assumed he was at his core. He's a thief, a drug addict, and an alcoholic. He was having an affair with a woman with whom he had been in a long-term relationship, in simple terms, a true sinner. He had a saintly side in that he truly liked people. The book chronicles the priest's entire journey from sinner to saint. The story covers Donnely’s family trauma, and his childhood horrors, and his enlightenment. The guy was never supposed to be a priest.
Recommendation:
You should read this book if:
● Although the book is a memoir of a priest, followers of any faith can read this.
● If you have an interest in knowing about human psychology
● If you are looking for a human behaviour case study.
● The language used is simple and easy to interpret.
Why you should read The Saint and the Sinner?
1. The writing style is very engaging. Readers will get connected with the character as they will continue to read.
2. The book teaches you to accept your past and motivates you to move forward on a positive note, no matter how stuck you feel, there is always a way out.
3. The story narrated his inner demons that everyone faces and one should learn to fight them rather than feed them.
September 19, 2021
Hi, my name is Hannah and I am such a sucker for a good memoir! Am I Catholic? No. Do I love stories about human experiences? Yes and this is one I am so glad I took the time to read.
This story follows Stephen through his rise and eventual fall in the Catholic Church as a beloved priest. Stephen was called to the priesthood later in life then most but knew he found his calling. But as he was fulfilling his jobs as a priest he was also secretly falling into a gripping cocaine addiction that was not only a secret from the church but also his girlfriend (which was also a tricky situation since priests do take a vow of celibacy). He was living a double life with secrets that just continued to grow. How long could this go on? The story follows his rise to priesthood, his secret double life, his story as a recovering addict, his return to ministry, and his eventual unforeseen fall from the church.
This is a powerful, powerful story of addiction and recovery. It was very well written and I enjoyed it immensely even as someone who does not know a lot about the Catholic faith. Addiction does not discriminate. It can take anyone at any time. I really enjoyed reading about Stephen’s journey and how he used his eventual sobriety to help countless other fighting the same battle. Fantastic read!
This story follows Stephen through his rise and eventual fall in the Catholic Church as a beloved priest. Stephen was called to the priesthood later in life then most but knew he found his calling. But as he was fulfilling his jobs as a priest he was also secretly falling into a gripping cocaine addiction that was not only a secret from the church but also his girlfriend (which was also a tricky situation since priests do take a vow of celibacy). He was living a double life with secrets that just continued to grow. How long could this go on? The story follows his rise to priesthood, his secret double life, his story as a recovering addict, his return to ministry, and his eventual unforeseen fall from the church.
This is a powerful, powerful story of addiction and recovery. It was very well written and I enjoyed it immensely even as someone who does not know a lot about the Catholic faith. Addiction does not discriminate. It can take anyone at any time. I really enjoyed reading about Stephen’s journey and how he used his eventual sobriety to help countless other fighting the same battle. Fantastic read!
September 14, 2021
Talking about the author, after six years of rigorous study, Stephen Donnelly was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest at the age of 42, and he spent the following two decades as a spiritual leader. In his biography, A Saint and a Sinner, Stephen takes the reader on a very personal but passionately human journey of a shattered man and his restoration. Stephen was named Grand Marshall in 2015 and won the 'The Peter Sweissgood Award' in 2016. He got the 'Man of the Year in Religion' award in 2012, presented the 'Fallen on Long Island' drug conference in 2012, and delivered the 'Fallen on Long Island' drug conference in 2012. He is a member of Alcoholics Anonymous and has been clean for eighteen years.
Coming to the book, Donnelly is a priest who is well-liked by many people. On the other hand, our personalities are a combination of devils and angels. At his core, Donnelly was not the man everyone believed he was. He's a thief, an alcoholic, and a drug addict. In plain terms, he was having an affair with a lady with whom he had a long-term connection, and he was a real sinner. He had a saintly quality in that he genuinely cared about others. The book tells the story of the priest's transformation from sinner to saint. Donnely's familial tragedy, childhood traumas, and enlightenment are all explored in the narrative. He was never intended to be a priest in the first place.
I would recommend the book to the potential readers. The writing style is quite engaging and easy to understand. No matter how trapped you feel, there is always a way out, as the book teaches you to accept your history and inspires you to go on a positive note.
Coming to the book, Donnelly is a priest who is well-liked by many people. On the other hand, our personalities are a combination of devils and angels. At his core, Donnelly was not the man everyone believed he was. He's a thief, an alcoholic, and a drug addict. In plain terms, he was having an affair with a lady with whom he had a long-term connection, and he was a real sinner. He had a saintly quality in that he genuinely cared about others. The book tells the story of the priest's transformation from sinner to saint. Donnely's familial tragedy, childhood traumas, and enlightenment are all explored in the narrative. He was never intended to be a priest in the first place.
I would recommend the book to the potential readers. The writing style is quite engaging and easy to understand. No matter how trapped you feel, there is always a way out, as the book teaches you to accept your history and inspires you to go on a positive note.
October 2, 2020
This beautifully written, insightful and painful story reaches a level of honesty few memoirs ever achieve. At no point does Stephen H. Donnelly turn away or flinch from the thorough self-examination of his life. Not once does he try to ‘sugar coat’ his crimes or transgressions or attempt to paint them as misdemeanors. His courageous honesty makes this a compelling read.
Donnelly is acutely aware of the irony of his life. While he was an admired priest he was simultaneously an alcoholic, a drug addict, a thief and was involved in a long term relationship with a woman whom he eventually will cheat on. As a devout, hardworking priest who genuinely cared for people, his acts of kindness towards his parishioners were sincere, touching and heartfelt. He was also cunning, deceitful and a master at rationalizing his ignoble behavior. One reason this book appealed to me was that I couldn’t imagine how anyone could reconcile a life of such schizophrenic proportions. But amazingly he does exactly that.
Donnelly’s falls from grace were gradual but steady. His recoveries were of the one step forward, two steps back variety. Each transgression and humiliation provided a chance for introspection and self-knowledge. Admittedly, he hit bottom more than once and had to repeat some lessons many times to gain the insight necessary to alter his course.
His unblinking examination of his life extends to his faith and to the Catholic church. With insight he states, “God didn’t bring you this far to drop you off the cliff…, “ Did I believe that? By faith yes,; in reality, no!” While he openly discusses the politics, pedophilia and the cover ups of the Catholic Church, he points out the good works and the good people who also populate the church. One can’t help but draw the parallel between the dichotomous saint and sinner nature of both the church and Father Donnelly. Within each resides good and bad, humility and ego, kindness and cruelty, truth and lies.
You may never rise as high or fall as far as Stephen H. Donnelly, but you can benefit from the many life lessons in this book. He describes himself as, “… a symbol of … perfect imperfection”.
Doesn’t that describe all of us?
*Originally posted on Reedsy
Donnelly is acutely aware of the irony of his life. While he was an admired priest he was simultaneously an alcoholic, a drug addict, a thief and was involved in a long term relationship with a woman whom he eventually will cheat on. As a devout, hardworking priest who genuinely cared for people, his acts of kindness towards his parishioners were sincere, touching and heartfelt. He was also cunning, deceitful and a master at rationalizing his ignoble behavior. One reason this book appealed to me was that I couldn’t imagine how anyone could reconcile a life of such schizophrenic proportions. But amazingly he does exactly that.
Donnelly’s falls from grace were gradual but steady. His recoveries were of the one step forward, two steps back variety. Each transgression and humiliation provided a chance for introspection and self-knowledge. Admittedly, he hit bottom more than once and had to repeat some lessons many times to gain the insight necessary to alter his course.
His unblinking examination of his life extends to his faith and to the Catholic church. With insight he states, “God didn’t bring you this far to drop you off the cliff…, “ Did I believe that? By faith yes,; in reality, no!” While he openly discusses the politics, pedophilia and the cover ups of the Catholic Church, he points out the good works and the good people who also populate the church. One can’t help but draw the parallel between the dichotomous saint and sinner nature of both the church and Father Donnelly. Within each resides good and bad, humility and ego, kindness and cruelty, truth and lies.
You may never rise as high or fall as far as Stephen H. Donnelly, but you can benefit from the many life lessons in this book. He describes himself as, “… a symbol of … perfect imperfection”.
Doesn’t that describe all of us?
*Originally posted on Reedsy
August 9, 2021
A Saint and a Sinner by Stephen Donnelley details the two lives of a catholic priest: Beloved in his community, Stephen was also a desperate drug addict.
The memoir's 340 pages leave no stone unturned as we get a good look at Stephen's upbringing (Stephen had an alcoholic and womanizing father), as well as many of the Catholic church's inner-workings and dirty secrets (what does a bishop do when priests left and right are accused of child molestation?).
One can't help but realize, and in fact Stephen points out, that drug-addicts are not easily identified as the poor and the homeless. Drug addiction can affect our co-workers, police officers, and members of the clergy without being visible.
There are plenty of shocking moments where Stephen was, for example, awoken at 4am after a night of drinking to pray for a family who's newborn was dying—a task he couldn't complete without a fresh snort of cocaine.
Stephen's drug addiction is a tormenting struggle, but equally tormenting is his clandestine love affair with two women throughout his priesthood. The priest's vow of celibacy is discussed here (and how many of the church's priests cannot cope with it). As Stephen says, "I took the vow of celibacy in front of God, the Church, and my family, and six hours later, broke it."
Stephen's journey through recovery is triumphant but very human. Cocaine is replaced with alcohol. But when all bad habits are finally behind him, Stephen plays an important role in the recovery community for many years—until everything is unfairly taken away from him once again.
Two extra things I enjoyed while reading this book: First was how stories like this help me empathize with people who have "fallen off" in ways that I haven't experienced. Second was, surprisingly, how beautiful many of the traditions of the catholic church seem. One could write only about the struggles, but there's something to be said about the beautiful parts as well.
A Saint and a Sinner easily takes a top ten spot in my books this year (maybe even top five). It's very detailed but still a page-turner, and it brings light to an issue often shrouded in secrecy and darkness. In my opinion it is genuinely worth the read!
My IG for book reviews: @kail.letkemann
The memoir's 340 pages leave no stone unturned as we get a good look at Stephen's upbringing (Stephen had an alcoholic and womanizing father), as well as many of the Catholic church's inner-workings and dirty secrets (what does a bishop do when priests left and right are accused of child molestation?).
One can't help but realize, and in fact Stephen points out, that drug-addicts are not easily identified as the poor and the homeless. Drug addiction can affect our co-workers, police officers, and members of the clergy without being visible.
There are plenty of shocking moments where Stephen was, for example, awoken at 4am after a night of drinking to pray for a family who's newborn was dying—a task he couldn't complete without a fresh snort of cocaine.
Stephen's drug addiction is a tormenting struggle, but equally tormenting is his clandestine love affair with two women throughout his priesthood. The priest's vow of celibacy is discussed here (and how many of the church's priests cannot cope with it). As Stephen says, "I took the vow of celibacy in front of God, the Church, and my family, and six hours later, broke it."
Stephen's journey through recovery is triumphant but very human. Cocaine is replaced with alcohol. But when all bad habits are finally behind him, Stephen plays an important role in the recovery community for many years—until everything is unfairly taken away from him once again.
Two extra things I enjoyed while reading this book: First was how stories like this help me empathize with people who have "fallen off" in ways that I haven't experienced. Second was, surprisingly, how beautiful many of the traditions of the catholic church seem. One could write only about the struggles, but there's something to be said about the beautiful parts as well.
A Saint and a Sinner easily takes a top ten spot in my books this year (maybe even top five). It's very detailed but still a page-turner, and it brings light to an issue often shrouded in secrecy and darkness. In my opinion it is genuinely worth the read!
My IG for book reviews: @kail.letkemann
September 13, 2021
Book Review📚💯
Title: A Saint and a Sinner-The Rise and Fall of a Beloved Catholic Priest
Author: Stephen H. Donnelly with Diane O’Bryan l
Genre: Memoir📚📖
Truly speaking when firstly I received this book, its cover and title made me think it's a religious one as the title itself says, “A Saint And A Sinner”.
But as I dived down into the book, I got to know that this is much more than the memoir of a priest. The honest and fascinating storyline is the one I loved the most.
This book will definitely involve you as a character of the book, you will feel like you are listening to his life stories and lessons in person. And that will make it much more harder for you to put it down.
The book completely revolves around the story of Catholic Priest- Father Stephen Donnelly, who was a drug addict, a thief and also into alcohol and now a Priest. Well yes, this is what the memoir is- A transformation of a Sinner into a Saint.
The memoir of an Ex-Saint where he shares the story of his life, that is full of tragedies, worries, sorrows and guilt as Donnelly is a priest loved by many but deep down he wasn't the man everyone thought of him. He was an alcoholic, a drug addict and even a thief.
This memoir with the upmost honesty and beautifully studded with fascinating and truthful life stories of an Ex-Saint who is at war with himself from inside is a must read for everyone.
I will definitely recommend it to all the readers as you'll definitely learn a tonne of things from the life story of a Sinner turned into a Saint.
A highly recommended memoir.
Happy Reading😊
Title: A Saint and a Sinner-The Rise and Fall of a Beloved Catholic Priest
Author: Stephen H. Donnelly with Diane O’Bryan l
Genre: Memoir📚📖
Truly speaking when firstly I received this book, its cover and title made me think it's a religious one as the title itself says, “A Saint And A Sinner”.
But as I dived down into the book, I got to know that this is much more than the memoir of a priest. The honest and fascinating storyline is the one I loved the most.
This book will definitely involve you as a character of the book, you will feel like you are listening to his life stories and lessons in person. And that will make it much more harder for you to put it down.
The book completely revolves around the story of Catholic Priest- Father Stephen Donnelly, who was a drug addict, a thief and also into alcohol and now a Priest. Well yes, this is what the memoir is- A transformation of a Sinner into a Saint.
The memoir of an Ex-Saint where he shares the story of his life, that is full of tragedies, worries, sorrows and guilt as Donnelly is a priest loved by many but deep down he wasn't the man everyone thought of him. He was an alcoholic, a drug addict and even a thief.
This memoir with the upmost honesty and beautifully studded with fascinating and truthful life stories of an Ex-Saint who is at war with himself from inside is a must read for everyone.
I will definitely recommend it to all the readers as you'll definitely learn a tonne of things from the life story of a Sinner turned into a Saint.
A highly recommended memoir.
Happy Reading😊
September 7, 2021
Raised in the Catholic Church by his single mother, Stephen Donnelly became ordained late in life at the age of forty-two. While Donnelly played the role of prim and proper priest, he harbored secrets which contradicted his holy persona.
In A Saint and a Sinner: The Rise and Fall of a Beloved Catholic Priest, Donnelly brings everything to the light of day: his drug and alcohol abuse, his multiple affairs, and a scandal that finally cost him his place within the Catholic Church. Donnelly chronicles his struggle to uphold the strict vows he swore to uphold when he joined the clergy. Initially drawn to the priesthood because of his love of people, enforced celibacy fostered isolation and a crippling loneliness he found impossible to cope with.
Donnelly recounts snorting cocaine to celebrate his ordination, a love-affair with the Spanish teacher at a Catholic school, a second affair with a parishioner in his congregation, and his path back to the straight-and-narrow.
I enjoyed the peak inside Donnelly gave at the workings of the Catholic Church – how it handles its “problem priests” and the priorities that motivate the organization.
The title describes Donnelly as both a sinner and a saint, but ultimately neither title fits. Recounting sleeping with his Spanish teacher for the first time he wrote, “it was all so normal and abnormal at the same time.” I think the same can be said of Donnelly. He is just a normal person in an abnormal profession. Catholic priests are as flawed as the rest of us and the Catholic Church is as flawed (or more flawed) as any organization. But then again, if Donnelly remained a grocery store manager – recreational drug use and mediocre sex wouldn’t be worthy of a memoir.
Pros: interesting story + unique perspective on the Catholic Church as an organization + cocaine
Cons: sex scenes were incredibly cringey – below average writing in general
In A Saint and a Sinner: The Rise and Fall of a Beloved Catholic Priest, Donnelly brings everything to the light of day: his drug and alcohol abuse, his multiple affairs, and a scandal that finally cost him his place within the Catholic Church. Donnelly chronicles his struggle to uphold the strict vows he swore to uphold when he joined the clergy. Initially drawn to the priesthood because of his love of people, enforced celibacy fostered isolation and a crippling loneliness he found impossible to cope with.
Donnelly recounts snorting cocaine to celebrate his ordination, a love-affair with the Spanish teacher at a Catholic school, a second affair with a parishioner in his congregation, and his path back to the straight-and-narrow.
I enjoyed the peak inside Donnelly gave at the workings of the Catholic Church – how it handles its “problem priests” and the priorities that motivate the organization.
The title describes Donnelly as both a sinner and a saint, but ultimately neither title fits. Recounting sleeping with his Spanish teacher for the first time he wrote, “it was all so normal and abnormal at the same time.” I think the same can be said of Donnelly. He is just a normal person in an abnormal profession. Catholic priests are as flawed as the rest of us and the Catholic Church is as flawed (or more flawed) as any organization. But then again, if Donnelly remained a grocery store manager – recreational drug use and mediocre sex wouldn’t be worthy of a memoir.
Pros: interesting story + unique perspective on the Catholic Church as an organization + cocaine
Cons: sex scenes were incredibly cringey – below average writing in general
August 23, 2021
There are a few sayings - two sides of a coin, the Good and Evil, Yin and Yang, the God and the Devil, the Phoenix and the Dragon, The Light and the Shadows and so on. But why such? The world co-exists with both facets that are how nature has planned its existence. Perhaps, the flow of events in life is connected with them deeply.
Similarly, what is conscience? How is it built and developed? How is it connected morally? How do we differentiate good deeds from bad ones? How do we draw a line between a boon and a bane and a Saint and a sin? Out belief system and conscience are gradually developed over year's and childhood plays an integral role in developing them. A tragic or abusive childhood can lead to self-destruction, addiction and sins in later years if not addressed on time, if not acted upon promptly and with prudence.
The plot is a memoir of an ex-saint who has put forth the story of his life. A life with tragedy, worries, anxiety, sorrows, remorse, guilt, strive for self-acceptance and so on. Sometimes, the battle is more within ourselves than with the world. The same happened with the priest who wished to be loved and to live a life of gratitude and devotion. But the unattended happenings of his past life lingered within him causing him pain and trauma. So he consistently battled with his inner demons. In doing so, he got addicted to alcohol, drugs, sex. And also succumbed to infidelity and guilt to make it worse. However, his conscience knew that this is a pitfall for his life.
The book is written with utmost honesty and the pages and the flow of words behold a raw truth written with self-acceptance. The author sought a path of betterment, seeking solace and redemption. With a continuous struggle with himself, his life and society, he juggled through reality with perseverance. He leaves many lessons and an inspiration for anyone who has lived and survived through their battles. If you are religious or even if you aren't, read it for an intense and gripping story.
Similarly, what is conscience? How is it built and developed? How is it connected morally? How do we differentiate good deeds from bad ones? How do we draw a line between a boon and a bane and a Saint and a sin? Out belief system and conscience are gradually developed over year's and childhood plays an integral role in developing them. A tragic or abusive childhood can lead to self-destruction, addiction and sins in later years if not addressed on time, if not acted upon promptly and with prudence.
The plot is a memoir of an ex-saint who has put forth the story of his life. A life with tragedy, worries, anxiety, sorrows, remorse, guilt, strive for self-acceptance and so on. Sometimes, the battle is more within ourselves than with the world. The same happened with the priest who wished to be loved and to live a life of gratitude and devotion. But the unattended happenings of his past life lingered within him causing him pain and trauma. So he consistently battled with his inner demons. In doing so, he got addicted to alcohol, drugs, sex. And also succumbed to infidelity and guilt to make it worse. However, his conscience knew that this is a pitfall for his life.
The book is written with utmost honesty and the pages and the flow of words behold a raw truth written with self-acceptance. The author sought a path of betterment, seeking solace and redemption. With a continuous struggle with himself, his life and society, he juggled through reality with perseverance. He leaves many lessons and an inspiration for anyone who has lived and survived through their battles. If you are religious or even if you aren't, read it for an intense and gripping story.
August 29, 2021
A book that is so very lyrical, surreal and empathetic–is nothing less compared to a masterful literary piece. There is music in these lines as if flowing out of a lute, with the instrument humming tunes of harmony and continuity especially in the context of spiritualism. The book is almost like a meditation on the art of sheer beautiful storytelling, with missing pieces of fuzzy thoughts somehow fitting together relating life of Father Stephen with others and falls and obstacles he faced.
The whole approach to the book is entirely different. Catching my eye at the first glance, is the inclusion in the lines everything real that can be generated. There is a rhythm to the descriptions, facets of magical realism, a sense of vivid imageries dancing about everywhere and so much ethereal subtlety in all shades, that I loved the reading experience to the core. The book can be listened to, and not just read, because it is nothing short of a soothing yet dark memoir.
The pain and discord in this book has also been put into a symphony, and it gets rhythmised quite naturally. So much understanding, so much empathy and sensitivity has been poured into the book. The elaboration of feelings are grand but humane, heavy but so known. How would you feel if your closest emotions could be set to a tune, the tune that is your own–where you are the creator, the performer and you the listener? This book made me feel that.
This orchestra of deep-rooted human behavior could have been turned into a flamboyant tale that could have encompassed a multitude of themes. But this does not. It never gets derailed to become overwhelming. A lot in this book is said through conversations, through casual retrospections–and it all feels homely and cosy when one relates to it. The pain here glitters with a distant melody of hope too. With true calling and grief, this book is like listening to your old vintage stuff on repeat, where you have nothing to hide.
The whole approach to the book is entirely different. Catching my eye at the first glance, is the inclusion in the lines everything real that can be generated. There is a rhythm to the descriptions, facets of magical realism, a sense of vivid imageries dancing about everywhere and so much ethereal subtlety in all shades, that I loved the reading experience to the core. The book can be listened to, and not just read, because it is nothing short of a soothing yet dark memoir.
The pain and discord in this book has also been put into a symphony, and it gets rhythmised quite naturally. So much understanding, so much empathy and sensitivity has been poured into the book. The elaboration of feelings are grand but humane, heavy but so known. How would you feel if your closest emotions could be set to a tune, the tune that is your own–where you are the creator, the performer and you the listener? This book made me feel that.
This orchestra of deep-rooted human behavior could have been turned into a flamboyant tale that could have encompassed a multitude of themes. But this does not. It never gets derailed to become overwhelming. A lot in this book is said through conversations, through casual retrospections–and it all feels homely and cosy when one relates to it. The pain here glitters with a distant melody of hope too. With true calling and grief, this book is like listening to your old vintage stuff on repeat, where you have nothing to hide.
August 29, 2021
▶️𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗧
This book contains the story of a Priest. A Priest who always gave his best to support people. A Priest who fall in the trap of addiction and yet came back from it. A Priest who is the perfect example of consistency.
This book will talk about the story for Father Stephen Donnelly. Stephen started his Priesthood at the age of 42. He this change in the lifestyle where you need to keep some promises he found difficulties to be with the law.
Father Stephen had fallen in cocaine addiction and it took a lot of effort to come out from it. He also fall for a women due to which he left his Priesthood but the relationship failed. There are many such instances in this book that will teach you a lot.
▶️𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪
This book is one of the coolest Memoir I have read till now. Here each and every shameful details are mentioned. There is no sugarcoating the text is fully raw.
The story takes so many turns that it takes you through a roller coaster ride going steep up and steep down. I think it is one of the few rare books which talk about the sins of a Priest.
Being a priest puts a lot of responsibility in your shoulders and after reading this you will understand how much responsibility can be difficult to handle.
There are also a lot of things that I priest need to keep in mind while doing his day to day choir which I realised by reading this book.
It is a well detailed memoir with the reality shown in different perspectives.
▶️𝗪𝗛𝗢 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗟𝗗 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
If you are interested in the life of priesthood or you want to discover what all things a priest has to face then you must read this book.
▶️𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡
Overall I would rate this a 4 star🌟 read. It has a simple and raw tone which makes it more and more interesting.
This book contains the story of a Priest. A Priest who always gave his best to support people. A Priest who fall in the trap of addiction and yet came back from it. A Priest who is the perfect example of consistency.
This book will talk about the story for Father Stephen Donnelly. Stephen started his Priesthood at the age of 42. He this change in the lifestyle where you need to keep some promises he found difficulties to be with the law.
Father Stephen had fallen in cocaine addiction and it took a lot of effort to come out from it. He also fall for a women due to which he left his Priesthood but the relationship failed. There are many such instances in this book that will teach you a lot.
▶️𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪
This book is one of the coolest Memoir I have read till now. Here each and every shameful details are mentioned. There is no sugarcoating the text is fully raw.
The story takes so many turns that it takes you through a roller coaster ride going steep up and steep down. I think it is one of the few rare books which talk about the sins of a Priest.
Being a priest puts a lot of responsibility in your shoulders and after reading this you will understand how much responsibility can be difficult to handle.
There are also a lot of things that I priest need to keep in mind while doing his day to day choir which I realised by reading this book.
It is a well detailed memoir with the reality shown in different perspectives.
▶️𝗪𝗛𝗢 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗟𝗗 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
If you are interested in the life of priesthood or you want to discover what all things a priest has to face then you must read this book.
▶️𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡
Overall I would rate this a 4 star🌟 read. It has a simple and raw tone which makes it more and more interesting.
July 30, 2021
I started reading this book and got glued to it. At first I was so fascinated to read about Catholics principles and how priests become there.
I am quite religious person and love exploring about every religion. This book has satisfied my curiosity related to church and Christianity religion.
A memoir about priest is itself so astounding to attract your attention. But, it's other part of the book make me so intrigued that I want to know how exactly deeds consider as sin and pious.
Life journey has exquisitely carved out that shows how one can become through some uncertain calls.
The book serves a story about priest who was previously alcoholic, drug addict, and bit malicious about sexuality. This book attributes so many paths and full of emotions that reflects the person image as who actually he is from core. He was beloved by everyone around him but as he recognises his flaws, its an exceptional time to accept all those deeds and outperform.
At the very beginning a reader can enjoy the twist of priests life. It's so raw that thrilled me.
You get to know how this transformation occurred from a normal person to a priest and then downfall.
I also got to know about how to become priest and about their studies.
.
𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
This book is greatly recommended for all those who love reading about sprituality and enlightenment along with a journey of a normal man to his way towards solace and priest formation.
A memoir that brings so many raw clarity about our deeds. A courage to put down your words with so much authenticity.
I am quite religious person and love exploring about every religion. This book has satisfied my curiosity related to church and Christianity religion.
A memoir about priest is itself so astounding to attract your attention. But, it's other part of the book make me so intrigued that I want to know how exactly deeds consider as sin and pious.
Life journey has exquisitely carved out that shows how one can become through some uncertain calls.
The book serves a story about priest who was previously alcoholic, drug addict, and bit malicious about sexuality. This book attributes so many paths and full of emotions that reflects the person image as who actually he is from core. He was beloved by everyone around him but as he recognises his flaws, its an exceptional time to accept all those deeds and outperform.
At the very beginning a reader can enjoy the twist of priests life. It's so raw that thrilled me.
You get to know how this transformation occurred from a normal person to a priest and then downfall.
I also got to know about how to become priest and about their studies.
.
𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
This book is greatly recommended for all those who love reading about sprituality and enlightenment along with a journey of a normal man to his way towards solace and priest formation.
A memoir that brings so many raw clarity about our deeds. A courage to put down your words with so much authenticity.
August 8, 2021
Memoir has it's own stage in a reader's life.It holds every minute details of the person's life. The person tries to connect himself with the readers putting genuinity in the read. I felt the same while reading it. When I went deep into that book I found myself in every page.
This book is all about Author Stephen H. Donnelly and how he transformed himself from a dark life to bright. Being a Father he was a good person among people but in real he found himself in alcoholic, drug addict, cheater in relationship. He knew that he doesn't deserve those respect from people and what he was doing that all are wrong.And that is the feelings which put himself in the path of transformation.
In real transformation phase in the toughest phase in anyone's life. Breaking that long term habits by putting mind and action in a line, it's like the feeling of hell. You have to face the anxiety, frustration when you fail at some point. And you have to deal with it because it is inevitable. Written like GOING FORWARD TWO STEPS AND COMING BACK ONE, one can feel the hidden pain in this phase.
In the end he found himself a better person and a better priset in life. That transformation also reflected in his work. Even liked by many more peoples.
This is an amazing read for anyone. As it is said "Your life is little to do mistakes, so learn from others mistakes". And I think this is why Father Stephen wrote it and published it among all. He just want everyone to learn from his mistakes and to put their life in a better place.
This book is all about Author Stephen H. Donnelly and how he transformed himself from a dark life to bright. Being a Father he was a good person among people but in real he found himself in alcoholic, drug addict, cheater in relationship. He knew that he doesn't deserve those respect from people and what he was doing that all are wrong.And that is the feelings which put himself in the path of transformation.
In real transformation phase in the toughest phase in anyone's life. Breaking that long term habits by putting mind and action in a line, it's like the feeling of hell. You have to face the anxiety, frustration when you fail at some point. And you have to deal with it because it is inevitable. Written like GOING FORWARD TWO STEPS AND COMING BACK ONE, one can feel the hidden pain in this phase.
In the end he found himself a better person and a better priset in life. That transformation also reflected in his work. Even liked by many more peoples.
This is an amazing read for anyone. As it is said "Your life is little to do mistakes, so learn from others mistakes". And I think this is why Father Stephen wrote it and published it among all. He just want everyone to learn from his mistakes and to put their life in a better place.
August 27, 2021
Book Review- A Saint And A Sinner
Every coin has two sides and you never know which side it’s going to rest onto.
People carry all the good and all the evil of the world, and fate decides which side gets exposed.
Stephen H. Donnelly experienced both phases of life. While working as a priest, circumstances led him to situations where a priest is not supposed to be.
The priesthood is a difficult life for it demands many sacrifices of human pleasures.
“Some people put priests on such a high pedestal, they forget we are human too. We make mistakes, commit sins, have regret, and need to be healed by God.”
Struggling with drugs and the desires of a man, Father Stephen led two lives at once- Of a priest and of a lover of the women and the struggling drug addict.
The book is well written and the story gets interesting as you keep reading. You get a deep understanding of why some people end up struggling with life. It helps you lose your judgemental stance in situations and become more empathetic with the people.
Later in life, Stephen gets over his past problems and is now helping others to cope with their addictive behavior.
This book is an honest memoir and one you can easily relate to. As a human everyone is susceptible to things that may leave us on the wrong side and only the truth and courage can save you.
I highly recommend this memoir of Stephen H. Donnelly to everyone looking for a refreshing and inspiring read.
Every coin has two sides and you never know which side it’s going to rest onto.
People carry all the good and all the evil of the world, and fate decides which side gets exposed.
Stephen H. Donnelly experienced both phases of life. While working as a priest, circumstances led him to situations where a priest is not supposed to be.
The priesthood is a difficult life for it demands many sacrifices of human pleasures.
“Some people put priests on such a high pedestal, they forget we are human too. We make mistakes, commit sins, have regret, and need to be healed by God.”
Struggling with drugs and the desires of a man, Father Stephen led two lives at once- Of a priest and of a lover of the women and the struggling drug addict.
The book is well written and the story gets interesting as you keep reading. You get a deep understanding of why some people end up struggling with life. It helps you lose your judgemental stance in situations and become more empathetic with the people.
Later in life, Stephen gets over his past problems and is now helping others to cope with their addictive behavior.
This book is an honest memoir and one you can easily relate to. As a human everyone is susceptible to things that may leave us on the wrong side and only the truth and courage can save you.
I highly recommend this memoir of Stephen H. Donnelly to everyone looking for a refreshing and inspiring read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2021
Don’t judge me. You could be me in another life, In another set of circumstances. - Sting
Ex-priest Stephen H. Donnelly’s memoir, A Saint and a Sinner, is an immersive experience into the world of a Catholic priest and a brutally honest account of one priest’s journey of sinfulness; a cautionary tale of the struggle between good and evil that exists within all of us.
Ordained at 42, As he stood before God, the bishop, and the congregation, he made promises he struggled to keep. Three years into his priesthood, he descended into a world of cocaine and alcohol abuse. Fellow priests intervened, and after multiple stints in rehab, Stephen turned his life around and became well-known in Alcoholics Anonymous circles as the “Irish priest” with a problem.
“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” - Aristotle
The story was a candid look at one man who battles his inner demons.
The writing style is easy to get into the groove with and there are many interesting stories of repentance, regret, reflection and transformation, a hopeful tale of a flawed man and his redemption. A Painful yet beautiful journey. Until you’ve lived it, you probably won’t understand it… you just won’t.
It may be the most honest memoir I've read in a long time.
“Things will never stay the same. The only one sure thing is change. That’s why there’s always tomorrow.” - Gloria Estefan
Ex-priest Stephen H. Donnelly’s memoir, A Saint and a Sinner, is an immersive experience into the world of a Catholic priest and a brutally honest account of one priest’s journey of sinfulness; a cautionary tale of the struggle between good and evil that exists within all of us.
Ordained at 42, As he stood before God, the bishop, and the congregation, he made promises he struggled to keep. Three years into his priesthood, he descended into a world of cocaine and alcohol abuse. Fellow priests intervened, and after multiple stints in rehab, Stephen turned his life around and became well-known in Alcoholics Anonymous circles as the “Irish priest” with a problem.
“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” - Aristotle
The story was a candid look at one man who battles his inner demons.
The writing style is easy to get into the groove with and there are many interesting stories of repentance, regret, reflection and transformation, a hopeful tale of a flawed man and his redemption. A Painful yet beautiful journey. Until you’ve lived it, you probably won’t understand it… you just won’t.
It may be the most honest memoir I've read in a long time.
“Things will never stay the same. The only one sure thing is change. That’s why there’s always tomorrow.” - Gloria Estefan
February 24, 2022
Review: A Saint and a Sinner by Stephen H. Donelly
First of all, I want to emphasize one thing:
1. Don't dismiss this book as having a cover that resembles too much religiosity.
Stephen H. Donelly's memoir. A look into the catholic life of a priest. A life of sinfulness and struggles. Stephen takes us through a journey that many readers would find familiar: The struggle between Evil and Good in our daily lives.
He made a promise to the Bishop he struggled to keep. On one hand, people would see him as perfect, kind, loving, respectful, devoted, and much more. However, in the dark, his shadow was lurking in his heart. He had sexual relations with a woman during his priesthood, and whenever he felt down, he would abuse drugs.
Literally, he was living a triple life, which encapsulated the struggle he had to constrict the Evil that was conquering his spirit.
Later in his life, he was able to help people with their addiction, and that saved his life, improved his detachment from drugs, and definitely helped to deepen his relationship with God.
Why should you read it?
1. It reminds you that we are not perfect.
2. It reveals the harshness of a devoted life.
If you are looking for a pleasurable read, this is for you.
First of all, I want to emphasize one thing:
1. Don't dismiss this book as having a cover that resembles too much religiosity.
Stephen H. Donelly's memoir. A look into the catholic life of a priest. A life of sinfulness and struggles. Stephen takes us through a journey that many readers would find familiar: The struggle between Evil and Good in our daily lives.
He made a promise to the Bishop he struggled to keep. On one hand, people would see him as perfect, kind, loving, respectful, devoted, and much more. However, in the dark, his shadow was lurking in his heart. He had sexual relations with a woman during his priesthood, and whenever he felt down, he would abuse drugs.
Literally, he was living a triple life, which encapsulated the struggle he had to constrict the Evil that was conquering his spirit.
Later in his life, he was able to help people with their addiction, and that saved his life, improved his detachment from drugs, and definitely helped to deepen his relationship with God.
Why should you read it?
1. It reminds you that we are not perfect.
2. It reveals the harshness of a devoted life.
If you are looking for a pleasurable read, this is for you.
July 24, 2021
A really powerful story unfortunately brought down by pretty mediocre writing. Fr. Stephen's life story is thought-provoking, moving, frustrating, and enlightening; the book should've elevated these aspects, but the juvenile writing/dialogue and sloppy editing really distracted me from the story. His story could've been presented in a number of interesting ways, but the stocky and linear storytelling was just a little flat and tiresome.
My other issue is the lack of real reflection... the book gives "thoughts" from Fr. Stephen, but only a small amount of commentary about the roots of his continued relapses and his situation as related to the larger context of the Church hierarchy and ongoing scandals. These things were detailed, but not ruminated on in a very meaningful way.
In the hands of a better writer/editor, this memoir could've been out of this world. 5/5 for the story itself, 2/5 for the presentation.
My other issue is the lack of real reflection... the book gives "thoughts" from Fr. Stephen, but only a small amount of commentary about the roots of his continued relapses and his situation as related to the larger context of the Church hierarchy and ongoing scandals. These things were detailed, but not ruminated on in a very meaningful way.
In the hands of a better writer/editor, this memoir could've been out of this world. 5/5 for the story itself, 2/5 for the presentation.
October 24, 2021
🌻Hello dear readers, hope so you all are doing absolutely fine and healthy. I'm back with another book recommendation which will definitely grab your attention and leave you craving for more. The author Stephen H Donnelly has come up with a fantastic read which you must definitely try. The book " A Saint And A Sinner " is a memoir that features the story of the author itself. His journey of rise and fall is beautifully penned. Stephen had been a Roman Catholic priest for almost around twenty-one years. He belonged to a family of ardent believer. In the beginning he shares about his mom and dad, how they got married in a church and took care of each other along with their childrens. But sadly at a point of time, his parents got seperated and that was the phase of life when he just came to realise all his responsibilities. Living a life as a priest isn't easy at all. This book reflects on Stephen's life, hardships, struggles, childhood, upbringing and many more. He got addicted to drugs and alcohol. He started struggle with his life. Getting addicted to something is easy but later removing it from one's life is really hard and someones people find it impossible. But Stephen also had to find achieve his goal in life. What was his aim? Will he be successful in achieving it? It describes how he transformed his whole life as a priest and his time serving the Christianity religion and also applied the principles into his life along with teaching others. I really felt motivated after reading this book since it also teaches one to accept the past and work on it to make the future a better and successful one. Turn the pages to explore everything in detail. The book is good in all aspects. No doubt you will love reading it. The language used is clear and simple for anyone to understand. The light and fast paced writing style makes the book more interesting to read. The narration along with the plot is absolutely gripping and well penned. It's a huge read containing around 350+ pages, I completed reading it within a day or two. Generally not recommended to beginner's as they may find it quite lengthy which might result in losing interest. The cover is well depicted and the tittle fits perfectly. Overall, it's worth spending your precious time.
September 26, 2021
Do you ever feel like you have an angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other?
Stephen Donnelly, a beloved spiritual leader and priest for two decades, has felt this for nearly his whole life.
Most would think being an ordained priest in the Roman Catholic religion, you are pure and invincible to bad choices.
Donnelly is the testament that diligent priests can be victims to their own poor choices against the religion they live their lives strictly by.
In his new memoir, A Saint and a Sinner, Donnelly takes the reader through his brutally honest life journey filled with sinful acts.
Three years into his priesthood, he fell victim to the temptations and addiction of cocaine and alcohol abuse.
The roller coaster ride of his life led him to multiple stints in rehab, just to come out and fall to his old ways.
Yet, he managed to turn his life around and become well-known in Alcoholics Anonymous circles as the “Irish priest with a problem.”
Donnelly then spent seven years as the Associate Pastor at St. Patrick’s Church in Huntington, NY, and became known as a rock star among many parishioners.
But in 2018, when all was going well again and he was assigned to a new parish, the unthinkable happened, and it threatened to destroy everything he held dear.
You’ll have to read the book to find out what happens!
Memoirs are one of my favorite genres within the non-fiction book world and this one was very powerful!
This book will rope you in like never before, go grab a copy today!
Stephen Donnelly, a beloved spiritual leader and priest for two decades, has felt this for nearly his whole life.
Most would think being an ordained priest in the Roman Catholic religion, you are pure and invincible to bad choices.
Donnelly is the testament that diligent priests can be victims to their own poor choices against the religion they live their lives strictly by.
In his new memoir, A Saint and a Sinner, Donnelly takes the reader through his brutally honest life journey filled with sinful acts.
Three years into his priesthood, he fell victim to the temptations and addiction of cocaine and alcohol abuse.
The roller coaster ride of his life led him to multiple stints in rehab, just to come out and fall to his old ways.
Yet, he managed to turn his life around and become well-known in Alcoholics Anonymous circles as the “Irish priest with a problem.”
Donnelly then spent seven years as the Associate Pastor at St. Patrick’s Church in Huntington, NY, and became known as a rock star among many parishioners.
But in 2018, when all was going well again and he was assigned to a new parish, the unthinkable happened, and it threatened to destroy everything he held dear.
You’ll have to read the book to find out what happens!
Memoirs are one of my favorite genres within the non-fiction book world and this one was very powerful!
This book will rope you in like never before, go grab a copy today!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews