Madeleva

Book Description

This compelling biography unveils the remarkable journey of Sister Madeleva Wolff, a visionary Catholic nun whose pioneering spirit transformed women's education and anticipated major church reforms by decades. Gail Porter Mandell chronicles the life of a woman who refused to accept limitations, founding the groundbreaking School of Sacred Theology that became the first institution to grant graduate theology degrees to women.

Drawing from her education at prestigious universities like Berkeley and Oxford, Madeleva created an innovative center of Christian learning at Saint Mary's College, where she served as president for nearly three decades. Her intellectual circle included luminaries such as C.S. Lewis, Thomas Merton, and Jacques Maritain, positioning her at the heart of the twentieth century's Catholic Revival movement.

Beyond her administrative achievements, Madeleva emerged as a prolific author of more than twenty books, combining scholarly rigor with mystical poetry. Her advocacy for women's advancement within the church and educational institutions placed her far ahead of her time, foreshadowing both Vatican II reforms and the women's movement that would follow.

Mandell's portrait reveals how one determined woman navigated religious life while championing progressive ideals. This biography offers valuable insights into the evolution of religious communities, women's education, and the intersection of faith with intellectual pursuit, making it essential reading for those exploring spiritual leadership and social transformation.