NEW YORK — HNP Today occasionally provides a list of reading material suggested by friars, friends and e-letter subscribers.
Those who would like to recommend a book or periodical are asked to email a short description to the Communications Office. The themes should center on Franciscan theology and history, and topics affiliated with Holy Name Province committees and directorates such as evangelization, justice and peace, African-American and Hispanic ministries, communications, wellness and fraternal life.
Below are recommendations provided by various sources that may interest readers:
Francis of Assisi published by St. Anthony Messenger Press and Editions du Signe. This comic book was recently co-published by St. Anthony Messenger Press (SAMP) and a French publisher. “It is a colorful graphic representation of the life and mission of Francis of Assisi, from his days as a rich young merchant,” according to the SAMP Web site. This could be a “fantastic resource for Franciscan parishes and schools,” according to Lisa Biedenbach of SAMP, who recommends the comic book illustrated by Miguel Berzosa.
Publisher Fr. Dan Kroger, OFM, worked with the French publisher, Editions du Signe, to edit and finetune the art and text. Information on the comic book can be obtained by calling 1-800-488-0488 ext. 129.
Grace of Our Origins: Studies on the Occasion of the VIII Centenary of the Approval of the First Rule of Saint Francis of Assisi (1209-2009) by Paolo Martinelli (published by Dehoniane Edition, Bologna 2009, pp. 648) is highlighted in the June 2009 issue of Fraternitas, the monthly publication of the Order of Friars Minor.
The Franciscan rule, which was first formulated in the text approved by the “Lord Pope,” is defined as wanting to live the Gospel as a way of life in the discipleship of Christ in obedience, poverty and chastity. By reliving the memory of that initial grace, all the members of the Franciscan family can rediscover with joy the gift of one’s vocation and engage themselves in the renewal of his own journey in both the Church and the world.
“The contributions made in this volume by experts in Franciscanism, spirituality and theology of the consecrated life are intended to be a passionate witness of that fascination the saint of Assisi creates in those who wish to follow in his footsteps and study the journey he made,” according to Fraternitas.
Saint Francis of Assisi: A Life of Joy by Robert Kennedy Jr. (published by Hyperion Books, New York, 2005) is recommended by HNP communications director Jocelyn Thomas. The 32-page book was written by the son of the late Sen. Robert Kennedy “to lead children to learn more about Saint Francis and to be inspired by the lessons of his life,” according to the book’s author’s note. Kennedy, a noted conservationist, has a “special affinity for Francis.” The book includes a timeline of the saint’s life and colorful full-page illustrations by Dennis Nolan.
— Compiled by Jocelyn Thomas