Stephen, 36, earned a master's degree in philosophy at Stanford. He collects rare books, speaks Spanish fluently and made a successful run on the TV game show "Jeopardy." He is single ("We're all on his case," says Mom) and is a devoted triathlete. "He isn't an academic, but he is an intellectual," Bishop Irish says. He is currently studying library science at the University of Indiana.

Jessica, 35, teaches media arts at Wellesley and, along with her husband, is an artist. "I have a wall of her paintings in my apartment," says her mother. She took a master's degree at the prestigious Chicago School of Art.

Thomas, 28, became a Catholic monk for a few years but left the order before taking final vows. He has a master's degree in philosophy from Cal-Berkeley and is applying for more graduate work in philosophy. He lives in Seattle.

Emily, 26, lives in Washington, D.C., after spending two years at Vassar. She is a massage therapist.

"Carolyn's children are interesting," Jorgensen says. "They are not materialistic in a lot of ways. A couple of them buy clothing at used clothing stores. They drive old cars. They don't live in big houses. They're all smart and like education and books and travel. They're not run-of-the-mill trust-fund kids."

As for Bishop Irish herself, she says she has found a measure of contentment but that the search never ends. "It's a journey," she says.

"Maybe the word is that she's found herself," Matheson says. "She's probably at peace with what she's doing. She's had to overcome a lot of personal obstacles that some people with less strength of character wouldn't have been able to overcome. She has a wonderful mind, and she's put it to good use."

Bishop Irish rises at 4 a.m. or earlier many mornings. Williams knows this because she receives e-mails from the bishop that were written in the wee hours. She says her prayers and studies her books and prepares for the day before most people are awake.

"She has a tremendous energy," Williams says. "She runs circles around us."

"She's one of the brightest women I've ever met," Jorgensen says. "And of course she's very spiritual. She has a presence. She and I were on a walking tour in England with 15 other people and on the last day the other people were saying, 'Who is she?' She's not a normal person. When she speaks, I want to listen. When people are around her they really defer to her. It's an incredible thing to watch."

Looking back on her life, Bishop Irish disputes the perception of most that she has had a difficult life.

"It's been messy because I didn't grow up knowing what I would do," she says. "I made changes and shifts and new commitments. I am a thankful person. I don't look back at hardships. I am blessed. I am grateful for each day."

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E-mail: drob@desnews.com