NEW YORK — Several books about a variety of topics have been suggested as resources that may interest newsletter readers. HNP Today occasionally provides recommendations of publications that may be relevant to friars as well as to their friends and colleagues.
Below are brief descriptions of two books provided by various sources:
Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom (Hyperion, 2009) is recommended by the Religion Communicators Congress 2010 at which Albom spoke in April. This book describes the diverse worlds of two men with two strong faiths and provides examples of how the face of God can be found in a variety of people and communities.
The Early Franciscan Movement (1209-1239): History, Sources, and Hermeneutics by Fr. Michael Cusato, OFM, (Franciscan Institute, 2009) was described in the July 2010 issue of Fraternitas. According to the newsletter of the Order of Friars Minor, “this volume both gathers and updates previous essays that pertain to the controversial history of the first years of Franciscanism. It touches upon topics such as the Franciscan approach to power and authority, the attitude of Francis toward Islam and the Crusaders.” Fr. Michael is director of the Franciscan Institute at St. Bonaventure University, Allegany, N.Y.
You Are My Beloved: Meditations for God’s Steadfast Love by Mitch Finley (Catholic Book Publishing Company, 1999) is recommended by St. Francis of Assisi Parish bookstore in Midtown Manhattan, which has named it the book of the month for July. “Just about every day we need to remind ourselves of the depth of God’s love for us, so each of the reflections in this book serves as a daily reminder,” according to the July 4 parish bulletin, which quotes the book’s introduction.
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 the recommendations are Franciscan theology and history as well as topics affiliated with Holy Name Province committees and directorates: evangelization, justice and peace, African-American and Hispanic ministries, communications, wellness, and fraternal life.
Editor’s note: Recommendations of books and publications can be shared with HNP Today readers by e-mailing information to communications@hnp.org.