The Passion of Mary-Margaret, by Lisa Samson

reviewed  by  Tannia E. Ortiz-Lopès

In her book, The Passion of Mary-Margaret, author Lisa Samson tells an entertaining, uplifting, and encouraging story where the gifts of the Spirit are manifested by the main characters as they lead us to a better understanding of Jesus’ Divine Mercy.

The book cover shows a picture of a lighthouse in the background and a religious sister holding a wooden rosary in her left hand, dressed on a white jacket and skirt set.  The sky is blue, the sun is shining, and the grass is bright green. These symbols of peace, hope, trust, and faith are key elements in the development of the story.

The book begins with Sister Mary-Margaret Fischer, writing a letter to her best friend, Sister Angie. She is complaining about Sister Mary-Francis’ idea of writing  their memoirs for others to benefit from learning about their personal trials, tribulations, and blessings. The book gives us a glimpse in the life of religious sisters, including their spiritual needs and temptations.

After the death of Mary-Margaret’s mother during childbirth, she was raised by her grandmother and her Aunt Elfi, never knowing the identity of her father. Then at school age, Mary-Margaret moved permanently into the convent school after her family could no longer provide for her. The school was located on a small island in Chesapeake Bay. She was in fourth grade when she met Jude Keller, the lighthouse keeper’s son. Every day Mary-Margaret used to look at the lighthouse and see Jude rowing out on the bay. Even at her young age, she was immediately captivated by his rough personality and physical appearance, but decided to keep their relationship as friends.

During her preparation years and mission work, Mary-Margaret goes to Georgia, where she has a close encounter with the KKK that leaves her mentally and emotionally devastated. She then returns to the island to recover  from that experience and to prepare for her final vows. To her surprise, Jude also returns to the island, defeated, broken hearted, ashamed, and to make things worse, sick with syphilis.

Then, one day, Jesus asks Mary-Margaret for her greatest act of obedience. She is in shock by the Lord’s request…but she is the good servant through whom Jesus will change many lives and God’s name be glorified. The reader will be amazed at the unforeseen turns of events, and where God leads her.

At the end, the truth sets her free, as she reconciles the past with her present and provides for a better future in peace with it all.

The Passion of Mary-Margaret is the journey of sin and redemption through the understanding and expression of God’s greatest gift, Love.