Asked to walk eight kms and you can't take the first step

'Religious Life Review' is a periodical published by Dominican Publications. It appears every two months. As the name suggests it tends to concentrate on issues dealing with religious life. It is not a magazine with a high profile and no doubt has a small circulation.

The current issue carries an article titled  'A Bipolar Religious'. The contributor is 'Pat Heavvy'' a pen name. But the author's name is known to the editor.

It is a gem and not just to be read by those who have dealings with people who are bipolar. Nor should it be the reserve of those who live in commnity life.

It is an insighful article on what it is like to be bipolar. Indeed, it is almost a 'handbook' of advice for anyone who is considered 'different'.

Close to the end of the article, the author writes" "Survivial requires constant honesty, unfailing energy, even courage."

'Pat Heavvy's' article deserves open debate. Such a debate would be a life-giving expereince. And not just for people living in religious communities.

The author talks about the fear of being marginalised and not being taken serioulsy. Is the reality of not being taken serioulsy and being marginalised not the destruction of so many people in priesthood/religious life?

In describing how paralysed a person can feel, the author explains that when a GP suggests a little self-control might help, "you know it is like being told to walk five miles a day when you are depressed, and even walking as far as the bathroom is an issue".

It's an article not to be missed.

Brave too.