Link TO OFFICIAL I.C.S.A. PAGE

Sharing My Stages of Recovery

From a Cultic Catholic religious order

J. Paul Lennon

ABSTRACT FOR NEXT YEAR’S INTERNATIONAL CULTIC STUDIES CONFERENCE IN LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY, JUNE 29- JULY 1st, 2023 (PRECONFERENCE WORKSHOPS JUNE 28)

An interview with Michael Langone, PhD, I.C.S.A. executive director at the time, helped me become more clearly aware of the stages of my recovery. After twenty-three years in the group, from which I had ejected impulsively at age forty-one.

When I pronounced religious vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience at age eighteen I had no idea of the cultic nature of this Catholic religious order I was entering. I lived in that straitjacket for twenty-three years, which included priestly ordination at age twenty-six, and thirteen years of ministry.

An interview with Michael Langone, PhD, I.C.S.A. executive director at the time, helped me become more clearly aware of the stages of my recovery. After twenty-three years in the group from which I had ejected impulsively at age forty-one.

When I pronounced religious vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience aged eighteen I had no idea of the cultic nature of this Catholic religious order I was entering. I lived in that straitjacket for twenty-three years, which included priestly ordination at age twenty-six, and thirteen years of pastoral ministry.

I emerged from a very deep dark abyss, moving gradually into a world of light and life, fed by the kindness of friends and strangers, and a dogged survival instinct. I would like to share those stages and elements of recovery with others so that they may find hope and, perhaps, some pointers towards healing and happiness: a safe place, a support group, understanding the cult, my exiting and myself; discovering my true self, forging a new career, and a joyful life.