Change of habit: The life of a nun

In what could be termed a lightbulb moment, Shirley Leach read back her own handwriting declaring that she was to become a nun. The wealthy socialite, who could probably have fitted in nicely to the glamorous lives of the Made In Chelsea cast, could scarcely believe herself what was in front of her as she sat down to pen a letter to her fiancé in 1952.
A Nun's StoryA Nun's Story
A Nun's Story

Despite her fear and initial tears at such a seemingly unlikely prospect, the 20-year-old was to ditch her fashionable dresses for a plain tunic and habit, to begin her new life in a religious order. This autobiography, co-written with Richard Newman, is entertaining as well as informative, with humour a constant as readers travel with Shirley from her privileged childhood in Kent through her romance and engagement to her epic change of heart and into the convent where she becomes Sister Agatha.

The pain of her heartbreak in having to split from Jeremy, her love, is almost tangible, but so is the confidence and contentment in her decision that she was taking the right path. “Yes I was going to lose a life, but I was going to gain one as well,” she recalls thinking. This tale of a life transformed from – as termed in the book – privilege, parties and ponies to poverty, chastity and obedience, certainly provides food for thought.

Whether you are religious or not, it is difficult not to be impressed by Sister Agatha’s unwavering faith.

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