The Call of the Heart

This is a collection of reflections on the wonderful feats of wisdom, fortitude and love of Catholic women who lived in what is now understood as Canada. Written by Canadian authors, the book highlights how these remarkable women broke down barriers, fought for education, justice and charity, or simply effused a sense of silent peace.

These essays describe how each woman, even within a patriarchal institution whose professional class/caste is restricted to men, found ways to live out their faith in the service of God and neighbour. The women’s histories are tales of remarkable resilience and commitment to the Catholic future of Canada.

“These women, and more besides, were the architects of a renewed Canadian Catholicism, heralds of a church ever-reforming, beacons of light in an often circumscribed landscape…this book is a vigorous reminder of the stellar contributions of women pioneers in the Canadian context, but not confined to that context.” – Dr. Michael W. Higgins, Distinguished Professor Emeritus; President and Vice-Chancellor Emeritus, St. Jerome’s University; Basilian Distinguished Fellow of Contemporary Catholic Thought. Higgins is author of The Unquiet Monk, Suffer the Children Unto Me, and a forthcoming work on the Synod, to be released in 2026 with Paulist Press.

“Edited by Dr. Bertha Yetman, details the lives of eleven women “who make or who have made a difference” (pg. 9). This book reveals detailed accounts of the contributions of female religious in Canada, as well as their on-going struggles to remain true to their various charisms…we’re inspired by the vision and witness of holy women who came before us in such endeavours. Like them, we do not hide from these deep challenges, but echo the words of Benedictine Sr. Joan Chittister, “Do not be afraid to speak…Be afraid of what will happen to the whole truth if you don’t.” – Joe Gunn, author of Journeys to Justice: Reflections on Canadian Christian Activism Full review here.

"You have pulled together and edited a wonderful and much needed book about amazing, Gospel-filled women. Thank-you for lighting up their stories on this still-dark horizon. I pray the Holy Spirit ignites these sparks into fire across the earth." – Sr. Helen Prejean, CSJ, anti-death penalty advocate and author of the non-fiction bestseller Dead Man Walking (1993). She also authored the foreword of Hunger for Hope and her work is discussed in In Praise of the Useless Life: A Monk's Memoir.

U.S. based customers may purchase copies directly  from Twenty Third Publications --> The Call of the Heart – Twenty-Third Publications