Two books about St. Francis and other inspirational saints have been suggested as resources that may interest newsletter readers. HNP Today occasionally provides recommendations of publications that are relevant to friars as well as to their partners in ministry.
Below are brief descriptions of the books provided by various sources.
Living the Wisdom of St. Francis by Wayne Simsic (Paulist Press, 2002) is recommended by the Franciscan Reading Group at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Parish in Hartford, Conn. According to the group, the book is a good resource to foster discussion of Franciscan life and spirituality. Through a series of short meditations, it introduces readers to Francis’ song and its profound implications for today. It is a good resource for anyone interested in St. Francis and who seeks affirmation of the sacred in life.
The Four Teresas by Gina Loehr (St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2010) is recommended by Lisa Biedenbach, director of product development at the publishing house. Biedenbach read the book with her parish’s book club, which spoke with the author via Skype. Beidenbach said book club members — including the pastor — unanimously liked the book because it introduced them in an easy way to four spiritual and dynamic women named Teresa: Therese of Lisieux, Teresa of Avila, Teresa Benedicta, and Mother Teresa. “What I liked best about the book was that at the end of each chapter, the author offered a list of 10 practical ways the reader could emulate the Teresa,” Biedenbach said.
The HNP Communications Office welcomes e-mails from readers who would like to suggest a book or periodical and asks that a short description of the material be provided. The themes of these recommendations are, in addition to spirituality and news of the Catholic Church, topics affiliated with Holy Name Province committees and directorates: evangelization, justice and peace, African-American and Hispanic ministries, communications, wellness and fraternal life.