Rosalind

This chapter introduces Rosalind, her family, and the Jecintho Prayer House in Chennai. It tells the story of how Alex, her cousin, first came to be healed and possessed by Mary (Mātā). The accounts of possession move to Rosalind, and Mary reveals her true name as Jecintho (Queen of Roses). The family founds a prayer house, and a following grows. The chapter offers an account of members’ narratives. It also describes the author’s first visit to the prayer house and her personal responses to being prayed over and investigates what it means to be a participant-observer, a “witness.” It begins to analyze the form of agency involved in possession practices. Roman Catholic priests take note of the group with responses ranging the spectrum.