Catherine Haas Riley

In all fairness, this is a book about three women (one in particular) who had an enormous influence on me, written and edited by two more women, who I have the great honor to call friend. I'm not exactly unbiased here.

Cathy Hass Riley has graciously opened up her private thoughts and writings to allow readers a glimpse of life with Elizabeth Chapin Patterson, Kitty Davy, and Margaret Craske, women who left their lives in the west to follow the Spiritual Master Meher Baba. Elizabeth eventually returned to the US, where, under Baba's directive, she and Princess Norina Machabelli found the land that would become the Meher Center, a retreat for rest, meditation, and renewal of the spiritual life in Myrtle Beach, SC. Later, joined by British-born Kitty, Elizabeth continued to run the center. Margaret, who was at that time dancing and teaching ballet in New York, would come and stay at Dilruba, Elizabeth's home near the Center. As the women aged, a group of younger women helped them out at Dilruba. Cathy, and her editor Lois Breger, were a major portion of that group.

At one point in my life, I was fortunate enough to be able to assist Kitty in some small ways over several years, and to accompany her on a trip to India. Interestingly enough (and kind of humbling), the times I was of service to her were the times Cathy was away, so there's absolutely no mention of any of it at all in the book. My story is small, but Cathy's service covered years, and it's a privilege to be able to walk with her, through her written words, to learn the art and grace of service to others, as well as gain glimpses into the life, experience, and memories of three women who devoted their lives to Meher Baba.… (plus d'informations)