Flannery O'Connor and the Catholic Imagination

Discover the profound connections between the immigrant experience and the southern storytelling genius of Flannery O'Connor in this compelling speech by Sadie Woodley, delivered at the Iowa City Public Library. Drawing from her own experiences of being a stranger in a strange land, Sadie explores how O'Connor's works resonate with Catholic doctrine on salvation, the appeal of the grotesque, and the infinite value of all human experiences. Sadie also shares the mission of the Great Catholic Book Club (GCBC), a nonprofit dedicated to providing education, creative opportunities, and community support to those in need. This speech marks the launch of GCBC's meaningful engagement with the world, inspired by Sadie's own journey through hardship to flourishing. Held at the public library, this event attracted a diverse audience, including many non-Catholics who engaged in respectful dialogue on challenging topics like racism, feminism, and the diverse perspectives of Catholic saints and figures. Sadie addresses these questions with humility and grace, hoping to provoke positive reflection and curiosity about Catholicism. Learn about Flannery O'Connor's time at St. Mary's of the Visitation Catholic Church while attending the University of Iowa Writer's Workshop, and how her Catholic imagination shaped her distinctive literary voice. We hope you enjoy this enriching and thought-provoking speech as much as Sadie enjoyed presenting it.