New Books Network Colleen Dulle, "Struck Down, Not Destroyed: Keeping the Faith as a Vatican Reporter" (Image, 2025)
Oct 6, 2025
Colleen Dulle, a Vatican correspondent and author of *Struck Down, Not Destroyed*, dives deep into the tumultuous journey of faith she's navigated over the past seven years. She shares the chilling impact of reporting on scandals like McCarrick and Vigano's influence. Colleen recounts a transformative silent retreat, her gripping reflections on grief and community, and how wrestling with God has strengthened her. She passionately advocates for women's inclusion in the Church and addresses the real human dynamics at play in the Vatican.
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Retreat That Sparked Her Wrestling With God
- Colleen attended a silent retreat in Montreal amid the 2018 abuse scandals and felt the church had become the source of her anger.
- She learned to yell at and wrestle with God, which became foundational to her faith and reporting.
Wrestle With God, Don't Suppress Anger
- Set aside time to sit honestly with anger toward God and institutions rather than suppressing it.
- Use wrestling with those feelings as a path to deeper faith and constructive action.
Truth-Telling Precedes Healing
- Facing painful truths is necessary before any genuine healing can occur in the Church.
- Colleen sees honest reckoning as part of her role to help the Church move toward healing.
