CELIA McBRIDE

How does a kid raised by atheists end up in a convent?

In my forties, I abandoned my worldly life to follow a “sense of call” and explore the idea of becoming a Catholic nun.

There was only one problem: I wasn’t Catholic.

Discerning the call to “become” something that I wasn’t turned into the greatest spiritual challenge of my life as I was forced to confront my own deepest values and beliefs and make a humble decision.

This is my spiritual memoir.

 

It reveals the astonishing personal experiences of my “un-becoming” evolution and the intimate stories that led me to the understanding that Everything I was Searching for I Already Am.

If you are inspired by stories of travel, transformation and awakening to truth, this book is for you.

If you are spiritually lost, or dealing with trauma, or struggling with addiction or obsession, this book is for you.

If you feel like religion is not living up to its core values, this book is for you.

If you are a seeker who has been found, or if you are still searching, this book is for you.

Follow the book on Facebook: @omygodthebook

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Praise for O My God:

“Susan Sontag once observed that ‘Every era has to reinvent the project of ‘spirituality’ for itself.’ In this engaging and courageous memoir, Celia McBride auto-ethnographies the various faith communities she travels through in her searches for answers to the questions that come from within. The book is a doorway into what happens when one actually answers that call for deeper exploration so many of us ignore or numb with distraction. The overused cliche of the spiritual  “journey” is actually quite literal in this monograph as McBride moves around from the UK, France, the Yukon, and small town Ontario. Hers is a narrative free of the platitudes and overarching generalizations of many modern spiritual publications, and she offers up no trite easy answers. Hers is a private journey recounted in relation to others and to her own psyche. The result is an inspiring and educational narrative equal parts painful and funny. A worthy addition to the literature on modern spirituality.” ~ Dr. M.J. O’Connell, author of Lilac Time at the Rodeo: Stories of Identity, AIDS and Fashion

“As a bookworm who has read countless autobiographies by politicians, entertainers, and entrepreneurs and many, many spiritual memoirs, I believe Celia’s book should be required reading for spiritual seekers or those searching for their path in life, regardless of faith. Celia shares universal messages and timeless internal battles. The whole time I was reading, I felt assurance; this book was written by someone who has been through the fire and came out on the other side. Therefore, we can hope the same for ourselves. Celia gives us a gift by sharing her journey with us, opening her heart and soul to those of us behind the page. Can you imagine doing it yourself, and the bravery it would require? “O My God” is downright entertaining if you want to call someone’s most vulnerable and soul-wrenching confessions a good time. What I mean to say is – it is engaging in this time of non-stop scrolling and social media notifications pinging at every moment.  You will want to keep reading because – spoiler alert – Celia never hints about how things turn out. I urge you to take notes – whether it be to highlight a hard copy or use a tool in the e-book.  Read it slowly, savour it, notice the powerful discoveries on every page, don’t skip a sentence, and don’t let the messages pass by! I will give you a sneak peek of a profound offering, one of the dozens sprinkled throughout the book: “Quit living the life you think you’re supposed to be living and live the life that you are living right now.” ~ Katie Weeks, writer/editor

“Celia McBride’s memoir illustrates her deep generosity of spirit, and her willingness to openly share her experiences with others, and it will most certainly help others to see the very great value in the sharing of one’s life experiences.  The work is moving, deeply insightful, honest, remarkably courageous, and compelling. One wants to know where she is going next on her journey, with whom the next important conversation will be.” ~ JM, Trauma Survivor

“Very thought-provoking … Anyone who has ever contemplated a big change in life can identify with this story.” ~ WH, writer

“Beautiful, subtle and inviting … so personal, so intelligent, so real … a book of healing for anyone who craves authenticity in themselves and others … a reverently (and irreverently) and brilliantly-crafted integration of all the parts of her life thus far … What a capable storyteller Celia is. She’s got ALL the right stuff! Altogether she is so, so pure … her desire for direct encounter is poetic and poignant and relatable. Because of this book, I feel more connected to that young person inside me who is so idealistic and who wants a container and a way to clear the path and rest in holiness and devotion. McBride’s story is unique, vividly hers alone, and yet her face-first, eyes wide-open immersion in this Life and the recounting of it makes her book intoxicating. This book is so beautifully woven together, so truly and faithfully the author, and ultimately the very container for the joy, rapture, fragility and love that is her being. This could be a tale of the female principle trying to make sense of a hostile patriarchy but, in McBride’s subtle care, it is much more complex. This very particular quest, that on the surface may not resemble the reader’s path, will nevertheless have significant meaning for said reader. The last pages of the book give the huge payoff the reader is longing for, the reflections we want for ourselves.” ~ AS, trauma survivor

“I was totally absorbed. Celia writes beautifully and candidly and I was fascinated. I am amazed at, and in great admiration for, Celia’s persistent search for her spiritual path. An amazing achievement. A wonderful read. There was much I didn’t understand or relate to, but it held my interest throughout and I certainly could connect with and learn from Celia’s search.  It is beautifully written and has given me much to meditate on myself.” JD ~ trauma survivor

“Thoroughly enjoyed it. I want others to read it, too.” ~ CS, book lover

“I enjoyed this book. It really did come together. The illustrations were a special touch.” ~ PM, book lover

“ A wonderful, wonder-full book.” ~ BB, spiritual teacher

“I could not put this book down. I was really impressed … from beginning to end it was cleverly written and enticing. It’s an open honest and raw insight into Celia’s struggle to find her purpose in life.” ~ JDB, book lover

“Celia’s writing style is very engaging. She creates identification for the reader, drawing us in with her experiences and descriptions of times and places. This book is illuminating and thought-provoking.  Also unvarnished, like the author. ” ~ SM, book lover

“I never thought it would be a page-turner, but it was. By the time I was halfway through, I was very angry at the Roman Catholic Church. My heart really hurt for Celia as I read the book.  She picked me up and carried me with her narrative and then, just now, put me back down gently where I was. It is nice to know that I am not alone.” ~ RP, spiritual but not religious

“This book is incredibly well-written and was very moving for me to read. Celia is an amazingly courageous woman. She shares the gifts of her tremendous skills, care, and love to others, while also being true to her human needs as a Wise Bodhisattva. A magnificent, transcending story.” BFG, trauma survivor

“A great read, and so well constructed. I followed the narrative from top to bottom and Celia’s personal struggle was crystal clear. Her voice iss so clear and the humour came through deliciously. I found the work in nursing homes so compelling. Her attentiveness to the dying is remarkable. I was hanging on to every word. Celia never quits questioning and asking and being honest and seeking. She tells her story so fairly. Great work.” ~ DK, author

“By the first 40 pages, I was enthralled and sucking in Celia’s story.” ~ JW, book lover

“I loved “O My God” and because of the G-word I was a tad skeptical … but I loved diving into Celia’s brain and really feeling her struggle. Talk about “giving it your all.” What a journey … I definitely appreciated Celia’s struggle. That voice inside can be so crazy as it tries to keep us alive and on track (whatever that track might be) …” ~ NS, book lover
“A fascinating account of the pursuit of spiritual integrity. Whilst most of us haven’t considered a full-time commitment to a religious vocation, anyone attempting to navigate their life path on an authentic course will appreciate the honesty of this autobiography. A fresh, raw and life-affirming read with a contemporary International perspective. I had a great time reading this book. “I thought I had to become something but I am already everything.” That’s it. Serendipity. Such a privilege to share the wonderful tangles of Celia’s journey. So happy that she has found the wonder of life in helping with death.” ~ ND, book lover

“This book is beautifully written and at the end, I wanted to jump up and cheer, and dance! I SO appreciated Celia’s honesty as she shared the challenging Journey of ‘Letting Go’ and coming to Accept and Celebrate Her Unique Self and Purpose! Sharing her story invites others to see ‘the Bigger Picture’ and have the courage to keep moving forward in truth and integrity, letting go of whatever stands in the way of Being Our Highest, Authentic Selves.” ~ LD, trauma survivor

“Daring revelations, triumphs and tears.” ~ MP, book lover

“I had to put this book down at times because it opened memories both good and bad, guilt and deep musings. At times I wanted to yell out “Get over it, Celia! It’s all construct masquerading as a belief system!” At other times I identified deeply with the probing and the need to belong but still be in charge and control the chaos. Thank you for being willing to share your journey with our world.” ~ BM, shaman

“What a courageous and honest journey Celia has travelled! Her book left me in awe of her strength and determination to find her path.” ~ MM, book lover