Flannery O'Connor and her views?

I personally love Flannery O'Connor and consider her one of the most profound writers in my life. But I am confused on what she tried to accomplish with her writings. Were her stories sarcastic towards religion? I find that doubtful since she was an ardent Catholic. But then why were the "holy" characters in her stories given such grotesque qualities? I for one would not call any of the supposed "religious" characters protagonists or admirable. Were her stories meant to show the breakdown of individuals, no matter how good they were, who functioned without a bond with God? Thank you.