Life Changing

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Factual: Life Stories

Extraordinary stories of life's turning points.

Dr Sian Williams talks to people who have lived through extraordinary events that have reshaped their lives in the most unpredictable ways.

In this series Dr Sian Williams talks to people who have lived through extraordinary events that have set their lives on an entirely different course.

This podcast is all about the human experience, how people deal with obstacles that turn their lives upside down. The journeys are not always straightforward and there are often some remarkable discoveries along the way.

Would you like to appear on the podcast? Do you have an extraordinary story to tell? We'd love to hear from you: lifechanging@bbc.co.uk

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BBC Radio 4 LW

Life Changing: A nun, a priest and their vows

24/11/2021

A nun, a priest and their vows

BBC Radio 4 - Life Changing, A nun, a priest and their vows

Jane Garvey hears about Catherine Butler-Burns’ turning point after 42 years as a nun.

The passionate life of Catherine Butler-Burns: a nun for 42 years until at age 60 the moment came for a new beginning.

Catherine Butler-Burns decided to become a nun aged 17. It was a shock to her parents, they weren’t especially religious by Irish standards of the time and until then Catherine had been having a lively teenage social life. But she chose to take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience because the women she saw “saving the world” were nuns.

Catherine took on a role teaching speech and drama at a Catholic school in Scotland where she met a priest called Father Michael. There was evidently an emotional connection between them but it was never openly acknowledged.

She lived and worked as a nun for 42 years then - aged 60 - she made a momentous decision. And what would become of the love that had been stifled for nearly thirty years?

To get in touch with the programme, or to share your personal story, you can email us at: lifechanging@bbc.co.uk

Image: Catherine Butler-Burns
Credit: Catherine Butler-Burns

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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Life Changing

A nun, a priest and their vows

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