Suggestions of publications that may be of interest to friars and their partners-in-ministry are provided by HNP Today as part of an occasional series. The descriptions below are about books related to Lenten themes.
Can You Let Go of a Grudge? (Paulist Press, 2014) by Fr. Frank Desiderio is recommended by Andrew Reitz, OFM, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New York City. In the March 16 bulletin, he said the author “writes about resentments and how they affect us,” and that Fr. Frank “goes into the difference between forgiveness and forgetting.” Copies of the book are available for purchase in the lobby of St. Francis House on West 31st Street, where other publications are displayed for passers-by to browse.
Let Me Sow Love: Living the Peace Prayer of St. Francis (Ave Maria Press, 2003) by James E. Adams was recommended by Andrew Reitz, OFM, in the February 9 bulletin. He said the book is about living the Peace Prayer of St. Francis, “whose content is considered over a period of days with a daily meditation on aspects of that part of the prayer. The author touches on interesting topics as he considers the various parts of the prayer.”
The Last Words of Jesus: A Meditation on Love and Suffering (Franciscan Media, 2013) by Daniel Horan, OFM, is recommended by National Catholic Reporter in its Feb. 26 issue. Listed among three books that attempt “to inspire reference for the fact of Christ’s passion,” Daniel’s book includes a series of homilies on the seven last words of Christ. The book gives “a compelling look at a horrific moment in history and one that is central to the establishment of Christianity,” according to the review, which also described Francis of Assisi: The Life by Augustine Thompson, OP (Cornell University Press, 2013) and The Way of the Cross, The Path to New Life (Orbis Books, 2013) by Joan Chittister, OSB. Dan has given several talks about his book at churches around the country. On the weekend of Feb. 22, he signed books at St. Anthony Shrine, Boston, whose bulletin noted: “This is an ideal Lenten companion, especially during Holy Week.”
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 adult ministries.
— Compiled by Jocelyn Thomas