HNP Today occasionally provides suggestions of publications that may be of interest to friars and their partners-in-ministry. Below are descriptions of three books, two of which are written by professors at the two Province-sponsored schools: St. Bonaventure University in Allegany, N.Y., and Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y. A former member of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany authored the third book.
Before and After: The Antics of Three Franciscan Sisters (Authorhouse 2013) is written by Estelle Wade-Crino, a former member of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany in Western New York who wrote about her experiences entering the order with two other girls, and spending 19 years as a sister. Wade-Crino attended St. Bonaventure University under the name of Sr. Therese Colman Wade, OSF. After leaving the order, she reinvented herself into public school teacher, professor, artist, writer, and owner of the Pinewoods Cottage Bed and Breakfast in upstate New York. This book is written in poetry, illustrations, and photos, telling the story of three girls coming from all walks of life to enter the sisterhood. The author tells of how fun was added to the mix of praying, playing and working hard. The author is the only living member of the trio.
Happy Without the Meal: Reflections from Catholic Faith and Reason (Wipf & Stock 2013) is written by St. Bonaventure sociology professor William Elenchin, who explores today’s culture and society’s dependence on overconsumption. Elenchin says that this is a paradox becomes acquiring things is often accompanied by a growing sense of sadness. He discusses key social changes that have created a toxic cultural atmosphere in the midst of material abundance. “The more we have, the more we’re struggling,” he said. Elenchin contends that no generation has ever had such an abundance of material goods at its fingertips, and yet, in the midst of such plenty, many people have a growing sense of sadness in spite of the excess. He maintains that the pursuit of the “goods life” has been confused with seeking a good life.
U.S. Presidents: From Awesome to Awful (Three Lakes Publishing 2013) is written by Siena professors Thomas O. Kelly and Douglas A. Lonnstrom. Kelly, professor emeritus of history and American studies, and Lonnstrom, professor of qualitative business analysis and 1966 Siena graduate, asked professors at 200 other colleges across the country to judge presidential history based on 20 categories of measurement. Kelly and Lonnstrom write about the best three presidents in the row and the worst, giving the book’s subtitle: The Best 3 in a Row; The Worst 3 in a Row. The best presidents and worst presidents, they say, were tied to challenging events in the country. Forty percent of the proceeds from the book’s sale, along with the authors’ royalties, will benefit Siena students and student programs.
The HNP Communications Office welcomes emails from readers who would like to suggest a book or periodical. Themes that are relevant to friars and partners-in-ministry — in addition to spirituality and news of the Catholic Church — include topics affiliated with Holy Name Province committees and directorates: evangelization, vocations, justice and peace, wellness, African-American and Hispanic ministries, and young adults.
— Compiled by Wendy Healy