What Did You Do In The War, Sister?: Catholic Sisters in the WWII Nazi Resistance

353 Pages·2020·2.167 MB·English

by  Dennis J. Turner

WHAT DID YOU DO IN THE
WAR, SISTER
DENNIS TURNER
CONTENTS
Preface
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Epilogue
Afterword
Author’s Reflections
Stay in Touch
Timeline
Acknowledgments
Who is Dennis Turner?
Notes
Bibliography
PRAISE FOR ‘WHAT DID YOU DO IN THE WAR, SISTER?’
“A powerful story of seldom-sung heroines in humanity’s
darkest days and a vivid reminder of the power of
conscience. Using first-hand accounts, Turner crafts an
inspiring narrative of courage and sacrifice in the face of
terror.”1
— EDGARDO DAVID HOLZMAN
"Dennis Turner has used some unusual and previously
unavailable records to provide a perspective on World War
Two that is entirely new: the role played by Catholic nuns in
anti-Nazi activities and the Belgian Resistance
movement…. an engaging account of World War Two as
told through the voice of a fictional Belgian nun. Readers
interested in World War Two, as well as those who are
fascinated by accounts of the remarkable courage exhibited
in the lives of ordinary people, will find this book a
fascinating and valuable experience.”2
— DONALD LYSTRA
“…a generous recounting of the deeds of marvelous nuns
living in the midst of mortal danger. It’s also a great
read!”3
— FATHER JAMES HEFT, SOCIETY OF MARY
What Did You Do in The War, Sister?
Dedicated to the Courageous Sisters of Notre Dame De Namur
Who Provided the Inspiration for this Book
In Memory of Christine Spooner

PREFACE
In December of 2016, my wife and I shared a meal with Sister
Kim Dalgarn, a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame de
Namur.  The good sister casually mentioned that she'd
recently discovered a cache of letters -- letters that had not
been seen for 70 years.
The letters and other documents had been written by Sisters
of Notre Dame de Namur during the Nazi occupation of
Belgium and Italy in World War II. 
In great detail, these letters document the lives of the sisters
and convents under the Nazi regime, detailing the hardships
of bombings, hunger, and the executions of innocents. 
Moreover, these letters tell the story of how these brave and
faithful women worked to defeat the Nazis.
Throughout the occupied territories, the Sisters were active
members of The Resistance. From running contraband to
hiding resisters and Jews, from spying for the allies to small
acts of sabotage, these courageous women risked their lives
to save others and to end the war.
This is a story that needs to be told.
Using these precious letters, historical records, and
contemporary sources, I have done my best to present these
stories through the eyes of Sister Christina, a young
American nun of my own invention.  By necessity,  I have
taken literary liberties - but the stories are true. Where I
have deviated from the strict historical record, it is noted in
the end-notes.
I believe, at the end of this modest fictionalized biography,
you will share my sincere gratitude and unending admiration
for these unsung heroines of the Second World War.