The Prison Angel: Mother Antonia's Journey from Beverly Hills to a Life of Service in a Mexican Jail

Mary Clarke - an Irish beauty who grew up in Beverly Hills with neighbors including William Powell, Spencer Tracy, and Dinah Shore; married at age 19; divorced twice; successfully ran her father's company as a single mom of seven - now serves a "life sentence" in Tijuana's La Mesa prison. Clarke's journey from affluence to living in a prison cell "with rats, nasty smells, and nastier graffiti" is detailed in a captivating and inspiring book, "The Prison Angel," by authors Mary Jordan and Kevin Sullivan.This is no ordinary story as Clarke's "life sentence" was a choice...a choice by her to leave a comfortable world and a family to live with and serve people nobody goes near, those suffering in prison - the poor unable to afford a good defense, those serving unjust sentences, those brutally beaten by guards and other inmates. Today, still a "beauty" at age 84, Clarke is known worldwide as Mother Antonia (La Madre Antonia), "The Prison Angel," a woman who has inspired millions over 33 years with her message of forgiveness and inclusion, and "her supernatural" goodness and love.Mother Antonia felt she was at a crossroads in life while still in her forties. Her kids were just about out of the house and she was being drawn to works of charity. She inquired about becoming a nun but found that religious orders were only interested in young women. She felt that closing the door to older women who wanted to devote their lives to serving the Church just seemed wrong and later would change this.Two priests influenced her direction. Monsignor Anthony (her name Antonia honors him) Brouwers who was devoted to missionary causes told her "Mary, your love for the poor is supernatural." And Fr. Henry Vetter, a priest from Pasadena, who did missionary work in Mexico, introduced her to La Mesa in 1965. She came to believe she was meant for La Mesa, and in 1977, drove to La Mesa, walked through the prison gate carrying a blanket, a pillow, a Spanish dictionary, and a Bible. She never left.Jordan and Sullivan fill the book with stories of her befriending inmates, guards, wardens, police chiefs, DEA agents, Army generals, and even Benjamin Arellano Felix, one of Mexico's most notorious drug traffickers; of her cajoling doctors and surgeons to travel from San Diego to correct vision, fix teeth, and even perform plastic surgery: and of her establishing a "San Diego-Le Mesa caravan" to deliver truckloads of supplies (soap, shampoos, mattresses) for inmates, their families, and....the guards.Those who have met Mother Antonia say "She gets under your skin and she changes you." And "she is the happiest person I have ever met." As for Mother Antonia, "I have been upset, angry, and sad, but never depressed or regretful, because I have a reason for being...I wouldn't trade my cell for anyplace in the world."Mother Antonia learned early in life from her father and the Holocaust that no one should stand by silently in the face of suffering. Her remarkable example will serve as constant reminder and invitation to perfection, to holiness.

I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Mother Antonia at the prison on a fairly regular basis as a ministry at our church. The book is true; she is unforgettable, a joy to be around, and no, you cannot say no to her. These hardened prisoners were completely disarmed as she would stand on her tiptoes and hold each man's face to tell them how much God loved them. I am sure they had not been touched in such a way in a long time, if ever. In such a patriarchal and macho culture, their heads would duck as they met with mother Antonia's loving and affectionate joy. It truly was as if Jesus Himself were giving them His love and forgiveness. What a gift to all of us she was! I miss her so much.

This story is one which will shock you, amaze you, and still uplift you. It's happening in our lifetime, and the names, events, and places you will remember from reading about them in the news.The truly inspirational story of a woman who had lived the good life in trendy, affluent southern California, children, and a thriving business - and gave it all up to serve, and bring God's love, to the poor, helpless and forgotten poor in prison in Tijuana, Mexico.Are you of a certain age and wondering if your life matters, now that you're retired or thinking about it? Mother Antonia's story will give you a whole new point of view! I couldn't put this book down - and now I can't wait to get busy on MY next chapter.....you'll see what I mean when you read this unbelievable (yet true!) story!

Mother Antonia’s life makes me want to be more like Jesus. Thank you, Mother Antonia, for your selfless, visionary, love and devotion. So beautifully told by these gifted authors.

Fabulous story. Definitely makes you motivated and see the good in the world. It's heartening to see how things can change for the good.

It makes me want to do more locally for those in need. I think that Mother Antonia is an inspiration for anyone. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for inspiration to start a life of service. The book loose some of it’s momentum in the last two chapters with the stories. I would had then at the end in a separate section.

I owned this book years ago and gave it away. I decided I wanted to own a copy again. It is well worth the investment. I strongly recommend it.

I actually have the privilege of knowing Mother Antonia very well. She is someone very dear to me. This book just touches the surface of the love and compassion that this remarkable woman has. She calls me regularly to see how I am doing, and if I have missed her call, I save it so I can always listen to the beautiful messages she leaves on my voice mail. Anyone who gets to read this book will never forget the impact that she leaves on everyone that she meets. I have never seen so much sacrifice such as what she has given for her faith, and she inspires everyone around her to be better. I love her with all of my heart, and I'm sure that after reading this book, you will too. Also, there is a great DVD set with the same title out if anyone can find it.

It was a story of someone who acted as we all should. To care for the poor is tremendously tiring but most rewarding. I admired her courage to live as she did.

What a fab book!What a totally remarkable woman!I couldn't put this book down. It's written like a novel and just humbles you big style as you read of one ordinary woman's insatiable love for God and people. Time and time again, page after page, story after story, I found myself humbled, challenged, unsettled and stirred. This isn't a book you simply read for liesure, Mother Antonia's life and story reads at times like a New Testament apostle, one astounding incidence after another.It truly challenges faith, about what it means to truly live what you believe as opposed to simply believing it! I'd recommend this book to anyone, but it's not for the faint hearted!

She was a personal friend. This book is an superlative rendition about her beginnings.

I ordered this book because I had read an obituary of |Mother Antonia and was intrigued to learn more. The book did not dsappoint me - I found it difficult to put down - it was so riveting. I found one comment made by Mother Antonia particularly interesting - her comment that major drug dealers do everything they can to avoid silence!

A good read - Rough reading at times and shocking but a very different read. Held my attention