Be Opened! (CUA Press, 2021) tells the story of 200 years of sign language in the church worldwide (see praise for the book below). You’ll find other writing by me around the web at Ekstasis magazine, National Catholic Reporter, America magazine, Disability Studies Quarterly, the blog at CUA Press, and others.
Older works, from my 25-year career as a professor at Towson University & U.S. Naval Academy, include two biographical books (on John Quincy Adams and the Smithsonian Institution) and plenty of history of science and rhetorical criticism. Look me up on Academia.com.
Praise for Be Opened!
Beyond the usual challenges facing one who attempts to write a cultural history that unfolded over several centuries and across many countries, and besides the special difficulties confronting historians of Catholic life over the last two hundred years, Portolano undertook a third task, perhaps the most daunting—namely, that of presenting these matters as they were experienced among Catholics who are deaf. She has succeeded admirably. In her text, Be Opened!, Portolano has made an important contribution to general Deaf Studies in the tradition of Harlan Lane’s masterful, When the Mind Hears (1984); but more specifically, she has provided an orientation to Catholic Deaf Studies on a scale that is unprecedented.”
―Edward Peters in The Jurist journal of canon law
This book marks the church’s openness to welcoming and recognizing the integrity of deaf people and people with disabilities through their full participation in church life and community. It relates valuable information about the existence of pastoral service and missions to deaf people all over the world, bringing forth the deep meaning of God’s wonderful gifts of Sign Language and deaf culture and affirming the contributions of people with disabilities”
―Cyril Axelrod, author of And the Journey Begins
This landmark book on the Catholic Church and deaf culture opens a window on a fascinating aspect of church history and social history, which has been hidden, downplayed, or ignored for centuries. Be Opened!, in scope, clarity and power, is that rarest of achievements by an author: a groundbreaking scholarly work that will also move and inspire. Highly recommended.”
―James Martin, SJ, author of Jesus: A Pilgrimage and Learning to Pray
Portolano has done an incredible job of compiling and organizing historical information spread across countries and time…Be Opened! will be an invaluable resource to Catholic Studies and Deaf Studies scholars.”
―Tracy Ann Morse, East Carolina University
Being born deaf and baptized Catholic shortly before the onset of World War II, I felt honored to be asked to review a new book about the Catholic Church and deaf people entitled Be Opened! This extraordinary book is written from the viewpoint of a hearing scholar, Lana Portolano. This author did not know much about deaf people until she and her husband adopted a four-year-old deaf girl . That was how her family began a journey to the Deaf World with the new adoptee as a guide. I encourage you to read the book and learn as much as I did about the church’s pastoral work with Deaf Catholics and other areas affecting us.”
―Deacon Patrick Graybill, Diocese of Rochester, N.Y.
As a Catholic priest, I feel this book is a giant leap forward in our understanding of the history, culture, and pastoral challenges of deaf Catholics. As a hearing- impaired person, it was a consolation to read, a powerful sign of faith and hope.”
―Matt Malone, SJ, Editor-in-chief, America Magazine
I warmly welcome this account of women and men who have taught us to receive this blessing: our deaf sisters and brothers, the eye people. We recognize each other as members of the Body of Christ. Each member needs the others and is needed by them. In words, signs, deeds, Pope emeritus Benedict XVI and Pope Francis have shown their joy in this widening and deepening of the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.”
―Patrick Kelly, Archbishop Emeritus of Liverpool, Founding President of the International Catholic Foundation at the Service of Deaf People