"Women of Devotion: History of An Anglican Religious Community 1898-2008" chronicles the story of an American religious society of women, the "Community of the Transfiguration" founded in Glendale, Ohio, affiliated with the Episcopal Church.
This amazing history of over a hundred years of service, includes the creation of homes and schools for children, clinics, social services and missions in China, Japan, Hawaii, the Caribbean, as well as the United States. Yet all of this diverse activity has been born out of a life of prayer together.
The sisters follow a rule of life that gives stability, and a democratic form of government that provides for personal freedom with community unity in the love of God. Their democratic process has enabled the community to adapt to the changing conditions of the world in which we live, including depressions, war times, and present-day challenges.
Now in the twenty first century the Community continues to adapt, explore and establish new ministries such as the renewal of the intercity ministry to the underprivileged (which was the original focus of the Community) and the transition of St. Mary's home for the elderly into Transfiguration Spirituality Center, a place of "outrageous hospitality", hosting a wide variety of gatherings, including quiet days, Buddhist retreats, spiritual dialogue and direction, and writing retreats.
The author, Sister Monica Mary Heyes, has been a member of the community since 1957 and has worked in five of the Branch Houses.
