The bigger Elvis

A whole generation of American girls dreamed of what it would be like to kiss Elvis Presley. Not that many got a chance to see their dreams come true. One exception was Sister Dolores Hart. I should let you know that Sister Dolores was not a nun as the time, but actress Dolores Hart. This summer, I had the delightful experience of reading about her journey from actress to nun in her memoir, “The Ear of the Heart.”

Disclaimer: I am not Roman Catholic and I am not sure what to make of the cloistered life. Nevertheless, I found Sister Dolores' book compelling, not just as religious autobiography, but as the tale of transformation of a person's life from starlet to servant, from "Where the Boys Are" to no boys at all. Sister Dolores' journey was not an easy one. Her strong personality challenged her vow of obedience on more than one occasion. Her friends thought she had lost her mind and tried everything possible to return her to "sanity." But in spite of trials and doubts, Dolores persevered and eventually became the Prioress of Regina Laudis Monastery in Bethlehem, Conn.

Even if one is not particularly religious, Dolores' story is fascinating. Like the stars of today, she was used to being made much of. Landing in the monastery as a novice, she was given the task of digging rocks out of the garden. She reflects on the contrast: "I don't know how much of my hurt came from being treated like a nobody. It would be hard for anyone to take, but being someone who had been catered to, fawned over – to have to stand in the rain and wait and be given a grubby job that everyone knew full well I didn't want was more than just being ignored." She began to taste the indignity which many face every day of their lives.

As she reflected on her decision to move from Hollywood to the monastic life, she tried to explain her reasoning to a show business friend: "I might have spent years thinking I exist only because I see my picture in the newspaper, because I am Mrs. So-and-So, because I have money rather than knowing that I am because I am related in all my experiences with the forces of life by being obedient to the unifying force that unites them. God is that unifying force."

This brings us to the "bigger Elvis." Sister Dolores gave up her Hollywood career for her monastic vocation because of her passion for God. She had that passion as an actress, but as it developed, she found it leading her deeper and deeper into the monastic life. Other people might find other expressions of their love for God, but an authentic faith calls forth a similar kind of "all in" commitment that shapes the whole of our lives.

Even though Sister Dolores' vocation took her out of the spotlight, it didn't take her out of life. Her time in the monastery has done much to shape her monastic community and the world at large. She played a critical role in making sure the voice of the sisters as women got heard. She helped establish many business improvements in the monastery. She helped establish a community theatre in her region where monastery and town combine forces to produce works of art. She is the only Oscar-voting member of the American Academy of Motion Pictures who is also a nun.

For more information on Dolores Hart and her fascinating story, you may pick up a copy of her book, “The Ear of the Heart,” or visit Regina Laudis' website at tinyurl.com/DoloresHart

Rev. Jim Govatos currently serves as Senior Pastor at Aloma United Methodist Church located in Winter Park. A former atheist, Jim is passionate about helping people understand and experience a living faith in Jesus Christ. Please share your thoughts by emailing him at [email protected].