Out of the Depths: The Story of Ludmila Javorova, Ordained Roman Catholic Priest

by Miriam Therese Winter

Miriam Therese Winter traveled to the Czech Republic to interview Ludmila Javorova, a courageous woman ordained in the Roman Catholic underground church in 1970. Out of the Depths is based on exclusive interviews with Javorova and tells her life story.

Genres: Biography, Spirituality

262 pages, Hardcover

First published April 25, 2001

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fascinating story but the writing was terrible.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important book about an amazing, courageous woman. It teaches us that the Catholic Church has ordained a woman and can do so again.

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick and interesting read. I was frustrated by the autobiographical nature. Not because of concerns about bias--the author makes it clear it's mostly an interview with Javorova--but because I wanted more facts here and there, more background about Koitones that could be verified by others and other perspectives to shed more light on the experience of Catholics under communist Czechoslovakia in general. I could have just used a meatier non-fiction experience in general.

I'm honestly on the fence while reading it about whether these people are crazy. Possibly just my views on religion. Like, I could imagine someone who's created their own "church" in the nyc subway tunnels saying similar things. Or, at least, those old theosophy pamphlets. I just can't imagine someone like Davidek moving up in the Church under normal circumstances.

[Erin Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beautiful biography of Ludmila Javorova, an woman who was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in the underground Church during communist rule in Chechoslovakia. Though she's persecuted, she still continues to serve God and draw her strength from him. It also follows the story of Felix Davidek, who started the underground church and ordained her. I liked it because it wasn't a dry autobiography; a lot of the book was quotes from Ludmila! I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves God, women's rights, or a story about survival.

[AskNezka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an absolutely fascinating story of a woman ordained a Catholic priest(ess) in Communist Czechoslovakia ... shame it doesn't happen more often.

[TJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as interesting as I had hoped it would be.