Three books have been suggested as resources that may interest newsletter readers. Each offers a way to bring spirituality into everyday life.
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, whose sources are both people and publications.
Friar Jack’s Favorite Prayersby Fr. Jack Wintz, OFM, (St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2011) is recommended in the April 29 issue of SJB News Notes, the newsletter of St. John the Baptist Province. According to the newsletter: “Jack encourages us to find the style of prayer that suits us, and shares his favorite prayers and reflections. Read more in the catalog section of books listed on AmericanCatholic.org.
From Wild Man to Wise Man: Reflections on Male Spirituality by Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, with Joseph Martos (St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2005) is recommended by Lisa Biedenbach of St. Anthony Messenger Press in Cincinnati, Ohio. Biedenbach, who suggested the book on her blog, wrote: “This best-selling book by a leading spiritual writer will help any man make sense of his life.” She added: “With this gift, you can provide nourishment for Dad’s spiritual journey.”
The Gospels Are Now: Timeless Gospel Themes and Life, Literature and the Arts by Peter Fiore, OFM, (Xlibris Corp., 2010) is recommended by Kevin Mullen, OFM. In the spring issue of Siena magazine, the college president said, “Peter’s essays bring the Christian tradition into lively conversation with classic and contemporary films, operas, painting and plays. Brokering a dialogue between the good news of Jesus Christ and the artistic and intellectual expressions of the human spirit is what the Catholic tradition at its best has been doing for centuries. Discovering the presence of God in the least likely of places and perceiving God’s grace at work in secular society are distinctly Franciscan endeavors. Making connections between seemingly disparate realms of experience is a consummation to be wished for any graduate of a liberal arts college. Catholic, Franciscan, liberal arts: the three pillars of Siena.” Kevin added, on the magazine’s inside front cover, “I highly recommend this book … and its cover,” by Siena artist Sergio Sericolo. Peter is a 1949 graduate of Siena.
The HNP Communications Office welcomes emails from readers who would like to suggest a book or periodical. It requests that a short description of the material be provided.
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 and wellness.
— Compiled by Jocelyn Thomas