Caryll Houselander

Caryll Houselander (1901 – 1954)Caryll Houselander was a genuine Catholic mystic in a century that produced precious few true Catholic mystics, a “Rocking Horse Catholic” and “Divine Eccentric” who chain-smoked, threw back alcohol like sparkling water, and was a gifted writer, artist, and therapist. Caryll Houselander, unfortunately, does not have the recognition she deserves. Caryll was born to a family of Anglicans, but when her parents separated when she was nine, her mother converted to Catholicism. Caryll herself was fully received into the Church. Her coming into the Church at a late stage of childhood led her to call herself a “Rocking Horse Catholic” as opposed to a cradle Catholic. The name became the title of her celebrated autobiography.  A rebellious teen (who would grow into a rebellious mature woman), Caryll left the Church only to return in 1925 after a series of mystical experiences and internal conversations with Christ that convinced her He is present in all people an