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Showing posts from 2020

Your Sorrow Is My Sorrow by Sister Joyce Rupp, OSM

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Book Review YOUR SORROW IS MY SORROW Hope and Strength in Times of Suffering By Sister Joyce Rupp, OSM You do not have to be familiar with the Seven Sorrows of Mary (Our Lady of Sorrows) to read this book.   I believe that anyone who reads this will find something they can relate to and find comfort in knowing that we are not alone. About the Author : Sister Joyce Rupp, OSM is well-known for her work as a writer, a spiritual "midwife," and a retreat and conference speaker.   She has led retreats throughout North America, as well as Europe, Asia, and Africa.   She has written numerous bestselling books, including Open the Door: A Journey to the True Self .   She is a member of the Servite (Servants of Mary) community and the co-director of the Institute of Compassionate Presence. She resides in Des Moines, Iowa.   Her Web site is www.joycerupp.com Book Summary : This book is a beautiful reflection on The Seven Sorrows of our Ble...

VESPER TIME

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Book Review VESPER TIME THE SPIRITUAL PRACTICE OF GROWING OLDER By Frank J. Cunningham Thank you Father Jerry for your recommendation About the Author : Frank J. Cunningham is a former newspaper and magazine writer and editor; university writing instructor; and book editor and publisher of Ave Maria Press, Notre Dame, IN. One of the most successful religion publishers of his generation, since his retirement Frank has been discovering and enjoying, as well as sharing with others in talks and workshops, the spiritual practice of aging. Book Summary : Vespers, or evening prayer, observed at the time of the lighting of the lamps just before darkness descends , that beautiful time of dusk, when the stars begin to shine.   Frank Cunningham uses this metaphor for a time of life, when the experience of aging becomes a spiritual practice.  With humor and wisdom, he looks at five aspects of this integral spirituality—memory, intimacy, diminishment, grati...

Agnes' Gift

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Book Review AGNES' GIFT A HEARTWARMING STORY ABOUT THE POWER OF THE ROSARY By Kristelle Angelli Since we are now entering the month of May, which is the month of our Blessed Mother Mary, I was looking for a book that would be somewhat appropriate to honor her.   The rosary of course was the first thing that came to my mind.   I didn’t want a “How To” book on the rosary, there are so many.   The book that got my attention was “Agnes’ Gift” a story about a young girl trying to make sense of the events going on in her life.   Her story is not so much about how to pray the rosary, it is more about how the power of praying the rosary can be a strength for all of us. About the Author : Kristelle Angelli has worked in young adult ministry since 2000. She is currently the Catholic Campus Minister at Emerson College, Boston, and Framingham State University. Kristelle holds a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry from St. John's Seminary, Brighton, MA, a...

LAUGH YOUR WAY TO GRACE

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Book Review “LAUGH YOUR WAY TO GRACE” Reclaiming the Spiritual Power of Humor By Rev. Susan Sparks It has been a long 5 weeks since we started this “stay home” ordinance and I thought it was time to lighten up my reading.   Options are overwhelming, yet once again, out of all the books out there, this one jumped at me (from 2010 no less)!   Oh that voice in my head…. About the Author : A trial lawyer, turned standup comedian and Baptist minister, Rev. Susan Sparks is America’s only female comedian with a pulpit.   After ten years as a lawyer moonlighting as a standup, she left her practice and spent two years on a solo trip around the world, including working with Mother Teresa’s mission in Calcutta. Currently, the Senior Pastor of the historic Madison Avenue Baptist Church in New York City (and the first woman in its 165 year history) Book Summary : From the “Introduction” , which includes a “Letter from God” , to the last “ Reflection ”, Re...

Eucharist

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Book Review “EUCHARIST” By The Most Reverend Bishop Robert Barron During these long days of isolation that seem like they will never end, I believe that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We all need something to look forward to. For us Catholics, it is the time when we can once again gather together in worship around the banquet table and receive the Body and Blood of our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. About the Author: The Most Reverend Bishop Robert Barron born November 19, 1959 is serving as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. He is the founder of the Catholic ministerial organization “Word on Fire”, and was the host of the TV series “Catholicism”, an award-winning documentary about the Catholic faith which aired on PBS. Bishop Barron has published numerous books, essays and articles on theology and spirituality. His website, WordOnFire.org reaches millions of people each year. Book Summary: The Eucharist as Sacred Meal...

“Beautiful Hope – Finding Hope Every Day in a Broken World”

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Book Review “Beautiful Hope – Finding Hope Every Day in a Broken World” By Matthew Kelly, Pope Francis and many more contributors https://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Hope-Matthew-Kelly/dp/1929266537 When it came time for a new book to read, I found it to be quite a challenge.  There are so many inspiring titles and excellent authors to choose from.  How would I know, and would it be something that others would find interesting.  Then I heard that small voice inside my head (the Holy Spirit) say, “Yes, this one.” About the Author : “ Real hope for the future comes from giving everything to the present. ”  Matthew Kelly, born in Sydney, Australia, began speaking and writing in his late teens while he was attending business school.  Since that time, 4 million people have attended his seminars and presentations in more than 50 countries and his books have been published in more than 25 languages.  He is the founder of The Dynamic Catholi...

Jean Vanier's Befriending the Stranger

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Book Review https://www.amazon.com/Befriending-Stranger-Jean-Vanier/dp/0232525986 “Befriending the Stranger” by Jean Vanier First let me begin by saying that when Father Dennis and Father David came up with the idea of my reading and sharing my thoughts on books, I was wary.  Not because their idea wasn’t a good one, it is, but because I haven’t written a book report since High School.  The thought of homework scared me!  Yet, I did find the idea intriguing and a challenge for me.  The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to do it.  So here goes… About the Author : Jean Vanier was born on September 10, 1928 and died on May 7, 2019.  In 1964, he founded L’Arche, and international federation of communities spread over 37 countries for people with developmental disabilities and those who assist them .   In 1971, he co-founded  Faith and Light  with  Marie-Hélène Mathieu , which als...