A Light Will Rise in Darkness: Growing Up Black and Catholic in New Orleans (American Catholic Experience)

Most spiritual memoirs are written by religious professionals. The American Catholic Experience series is an innovative new collection of books exploring the stories of individual Catholics in the United States as they reflect on what it has meant as Catholic laity to live out their faith amidst the joys and challenges of their daily lives?on their jobs, with their families and friends, and in their communities and churches. In this poignant and honest memoir, Jo Anne Tardy recounts her experiences growing up in 1940s and 50s New Orleans a young, black Catholic. From the funeral parades playing dirges that rolled down her street, to her close relationship with the Holy Family nuns at her school. Tardy describes a vibrant, emotional and exciting city in which her sense of spirituality developed. She also includes a brief reflection on her old neighborhood in light of Hurricane Katrina.