Friday, 31 October 2025

Space Traipse Hold My Beer Season 9 - Karina Lumbert Fabian

Space Traipse: Hold My Beer, Season 9
Karina Fabian
Laser Cow Press
ISBN 9781956489255
ASIN B0FQ3FLMC7

Space Traipse Hold My Beer Season 9 - Karina Lumbert Fabian

I absolutely love the Space Traipse stories! And after a 2 years hiatus this was the second volume to release this year and reading this was like a visit with old friends. I have read many books by Karina Fabian, including rereads I am up to 54 read now of books she has written and edited and another half dozen contributions to anthologies. I love her wit, her witticisms, and her wisdom. He stories are in a wide range of genres. And her list of series is every growing. This is the ninth in the Space Traipse: Hold My Beer, Series. I have read the previous 8 and a standalone side story. I cannot seem to put her books down, and I devoured the new offerings. I have read some of her contributions in anthologies and love her short form fiction. I also love her religious themed fiction. However the Space Traipse books are completely different than any of her other works. Well maybe not completely different, the humour infuses much of what she writes. In some ways her works are like a Catholic version of Douglas Adams, Robert Asprin, or Tom Holt. All of whom I enjoy but Fabians works have eclipsed them in my list of favourites. 

I grew up watching reruns of Star Trek the Original Series, and the animated series during its original run. I have long been a fan of the shows and when much younger read many novelizations. I loved reading the old James Blish Star Trek stories. Reading the stories in this series take me back to that early stage in my reading, but these have a much more humorous slant. These stories are part homage, part satire, part commentary, part parody, and they are always a whole lot of fun! The description of this volume states:

“When Yours Truly gets too logical about an old episode, the parody gets grim! Get ready for this season of Space Traipse: Hold My Beer.

Operation Denervate (parody of ST:TOS “Operation – Annihilate!”): The colony of Denerva is attacked by snot pancakes! Dubbed “nikimixas,” these pandimensional beings are more than just gross; these sadistic little buggers want to use humans to spread their kind across the galaxy, and they’ll torture the humans into submission or kill them trying. The Impulsive has a tight timeline and a difficult line to walk between saving the colonists and protecting the universe. But when Captain Jeb Tiberius’ brother is killed by the nikimixas, can he keep his perspective to lead his crew?

Mistrials and Tribulations (parodying every court martial episode in the Star Trek universe): So, apparently, Union Fleet didn’t think Jeb did so good. In fact, when the captain of the USS Energetic Efficiency accuses Jeb of genocide, he’s got one shot to save his reputation. Unfortunately, the prosecution is one of the meanest, smartest, slyest attorneys in Union Fleet. Jeb chooses for defense, not another hotshot, but the Impulsive’s own JAG—a brilliant lawyer with unorthodox thinking…and crippling social anxiety. The Prosecution will never see him coming—but is he up to the task or will his lack of self-confidence result in his captain getting sentenced to a mind-wipe?

Laundray Day (parody of ST:TOS “Return of the Archons”): Commander Smythe is in command of the Impulsive! (Don’t worry; Jeb’s on vacation!) When they investigate a 40-year-old distress signal from a missing HuFleet ship, they discover a civilization under complete control of Laundray, a computer program hell-bent on preserving the peace and employing laundry metaphors.

This season has a little of everything: adventure, grief, high stakes…even romance!”

The tag line for the series is:

“Space: By Keptar, there’s a lot of it. And it’s chock-full of stuff to do and people to meet. These are the adventures of the HMB Impulsive. Its mission: to explore worlds, to seek out anomalies, and to boldly do what no one else has the guts to do! And you know that we’re the ship to do it.

Don’t believe me? Hold my beer!”

The stories in this instalment are as highlighted above:

Operation: Denervate
Mistrials and Tribulations
Laundray Day

These stories follow the further adventures of the captain and the crew of the HMB Impulsive. The descriptions of the main crew members are: 

• Capt Jeb Tiberius: A good ol’ boy from Texas whose religion requires firm buttocks.
• First Officer Commander Phineas Smythe: His uncanny ability to win Rock-Paper-Scissors-Redshirt-Alien means he can pick his away missions.
• Chief Engineer Commander Angus Deary: The first person to reverse the polarity by 90 degrees.
• Chief of Security, Enigo Guillermo Ricardo Montoya Guiterrez LaFuentes: Raised on the UGS The Hood, where gang war is a cultural right, he’s not afraid to shoot a fellow crewman. That’s what stun is for!
• Ops Officer Ensign Ellie Doall: Fresh from the HMB Mary Sue, she can so just about anything all on her own – and often does.
• Transporter Chief, Dolfrick Dour: By the manipulations of technology, he reduces people to their most basic elements and rematerializes them elsewhere. Is it any wonder he’s 23rd Century Goth?

Being caught up on all the volumes in this series, I can easily state it is getting even better with age. Three great stories! The first two stories are directly related. And Fabian does an excellent job with both. The first snot pancakes have taken over a colony and from the looks of it have been doing so for a while. Jeb and the crew must find a way to save the colonist, or as many of them as they can. The second is a court martial. And the homage to Perry Mason, JAG, and other shows is epic and to be honest I could not help picturing James Spader as our lawyer and Shatner himself as Jeb in the docket. The third is something a little different. All three stories are well written and worth the read.   

This is another excellent volume in a great series. As always it is one that leaves you desperate to find out what happens to the Impulsive and her crew next. And wondering where do things go from here?  

It is a wonderful collection of tales. I said it before and say it again after this volume, it is great for fans of trek, fans of parodies, or people who just love great science fiction stories. The tales reminded me of Spider Robinson’s Cross Time Saloon books in many ways, as well as Robert Asprin’s Phule’s Company and Harry Harrison’s Stainless Steel Rat books. It is a great ensemble crew, with interesting adventures, and a whole lot of fun.
 
Give this book or series a try; I am certain you will be entertained. It is a lot of fun. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews:  2025 Catholic Reading Plan!


Dex Hollister Series:
The Old Man and the Void
Dex's Way
...

Neeta Lyffe, Zombie Exterminator Series :
Neeta Lyffe, Zombie Exterminator
I Left My Brains in San Francisco
Shambling in a Winter Wonderland
…

DragonEye PI Series:
DragonEye PI Novels:

Space Traipse Series:
Space Traipse: Hold My Beer, Season 1
Space Traipse: Hold My Beer, Season 2
Space Traipse: Hold My Beer, Season 3
...
Space Traipse Stories
…

Madness of Kanaan Series:
(formerly The Mind Over Series)

Edited by: Karina Fabian:
Infinite Space, Infinite God I
Leaps of Faith
Infinite Space, Infinite God II
...


Contributed to:
Firestorm of Dragons
The Zombie Cookbook
The Book of Tentacles
Twisted Fayrie Tales
FRIGHTLINER: And Other Tales of the Undead
Mother Goose is Dead
Word by Word: Slowing Down with the Hail Mary
Image and Likeness Literary Reflections on the Theology of the Body
Corrupts Absolutely? Dark Metahuman Fiction
Weird Noir
The Complete Guide to Writing Paranormal Novels
Manifesto UF
Avenir Eclectia
Planetary Anthology: Jupiter
Planetary Anthology: Pluto
Planetary Anthology: Luna
Planetary Anthology: Uranus
FlagShip Science Fiction and Fantasy v2i5
My Little Book of Headdesks
To Be Men: Stories Celebrating Masculinity
...








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Thursday, 30 October 2025

Columbanus - Desmond Forristal

Columbanus
Bangor - Luxeuil – Bobbio
ISBN 9781872245294
ISBN 1872245293

Columbanus - Desmond Forristal

This is the second volume I have read by Desmond Forristal, but it will not be the last. I keep stumbling across other works he has written I want to track down and read. I do not recall how I stumbled across this volume. I have not been able to find a description of this volume, and the back cover of the edition I read does not have a description. Some online descriptions have the subtitle Bangor - Luxeuil – Bobbio.

The sections in this book are:

Preface
Columbanus
Leaving Home
The Life Of A Monk
A Greater Place Of Pilgrimage
Into The Unknown
Annegray
Director Of Souls
New Foundations
A Place Apart
Opposition
Journey Into Exile
The Rhine Voyage
Mission To The Pagans
The Parting Of Friends
Among The Lombards
The Last Monastery
Death Of Columbanus
Notes On Further Reading

I highlighted a number of passages while reading this volume, some of them are:

“The name and influence of Columbanus live on not only in the places he visited, but in other countries and continents as well. Endowed with the same pioneering spirit as their patron, the Columban Fathers and the Missionary Sisters of St Columban have helped spread the Gospel as far afield as China, New Zealand and South America.” 

“Columbanus was our first great European. He was the first Irishman to become known throughout the whole of the western world. He wielded immense influence through his travels, his preaching, his writing. Popes listened to his wise advice. Kings trembled before his eloquence. In an age of barbarism, the monasteries he founded became centres of learning and civilization. During his lifetime and for many centuries afterwards, Europe continued to feel the force of his towering personality.”

“Even during his lifetime, Patrick saw monasteries and convents being founded in Ireland. A hundred years later, the religious life was flourishing in every part of the country. This was the life to which young Colm now felt himself strongly drawn.”

“The day came that he had set for his departure. She still refused to accept his decision and begged him tearfully to stay. He refused. In a moment of high drama, she threw herself across the threshold of the door to prevent him leaving. He made what must have been the hardest decision of his life. He told her not to weep for him. Then he stepped over her prostrate body and firmly walked away from his home, never to return.”

“His first stopping-place was the monastery of Cleenish on Lough Erne in the north of Ireland. The monastery had been founded a few years earlier by St Sinell, a man renowned for his scholarship as well as his holiness. It was an ideal place for a young man to continue his education. Under Smell's guidance he deepened his knowledge of Scripture and mastered the Latin tongue. His very name was translated into Latin, and from now on he was to sign himself Columba or Columbanus, from the Latin word for dove.”

“Like the other great Irish monasteries of the time, Bangor was not only a place of prayer. It was a seminary, it was a university, it was a centre of arts and sciences, it was a town.”

“The rule prescribed the prayers that were recited each day in the monastery. The Divine Office, made up largely of psalms sung in Latin, was prayed in common by all the monks each day. There were three short periods of prayer during the daylight hours: morning, midday, and afternoon. These were interspersed with the daily work of the monks: manual work in the fields or workshops, copying manuscripts in the scriptorium, leaching and studying in the class-halls. There were three longer periods of prayer after work was done. Vespers was sung at dusk. Matins al midnight. Lauds al dawn.”

“This seamless web of prayer, work and penance structured every day of the monk's life. This was the rule of Bangor, which Columbanus grew to love and which he brought with him to the monasteries he founded abroad. It was clear and firm, a rock-like foundation on which to build the life of the spirit.”

“Soon after his arrival in Bangor, Columbanus was allowed to make his vows, and was admitted to full membership of the community. Some time later he was ordained to the priesthood, an honour which was granted only to a selected few. His qualities of mind and spirit were becoming recognised and he was taking an increasingly important part in the life of the monastery.”

“It took all of Columbanus’s powers of persuasion to make the old man change his mind. Eventually he yielded, acknowledging that the needs of the Church in Europe were greater than those of Ireland. More than that, he allowed Columbanus to choose twelve companions for his mission, twelve men who shared his vision, twelve of the monastery’s finest monks. Among them was a man named Gall, who was to become almost as famous as Columbanus in years to come. The twelve bade farewell to the abbot and the monastery, and made their way to the sea-shore, where they invoked God’s blessing on the venture they were about to undertake. Then they went aboard their little boat, cast off the moorings and left their homeland for ever. It was about the year 591.”

“His journey led him into Burgundy to the wild and desolate Vosges Mountains. It was an area of dramatic cliffs, of gorge-like valleys, of forests haunted by bears and wolves. Here in a place called Annegray he found what he was looking for. It was an old Roman castle, long since abandoned and falling into decay. But the Romans built to last, and the foundations were solid and on them he decided he could build the monastery of his dreams.”

“In the pages of Jonas’s book we see the qualities that made Columbanus great. We see his courage, his perseverance, his steadfastness, his passionate concern for the Church of God. We see him in relation to his fellow-monks, a man who exercised his authority and expected to be obeyed, and yet was prepared to undertake the hardest and most menial work alongside the youngest brother. We see the life of prayer and penance that he lived himself and expected his monks to live, while at the same time caring for each one of them with the tenderness of a father. And we see what is perhaps most unexpected of all: his love for the world of nature, and his friendship with every creature that God has pul upon the earth.

“Stories like these spread rapidly through the surrounding countryside. Other visitors found their way through the woods, asking Columbanus to pray for their intentions. Time after time his prayers were granted. The sick were healed, the troubled were consoled, the childless were blessed with children. The crowds grew steadily, and the tracks through the forest became well-beaten roads.”

“In the days of the Roman Empire, confession of sins was a public act, and was followed by public penance. In Ireland a different practice was followed. The penitent confessed to the priest in private, heard the priest’s advice in private, received absolution in private, and carried out the penance prescribed by the priest in private. Some of the penances laid down by Columbanus may now seem harsh, but it has to be remembered that it was a lawless and violent age, and that the law of the Church was often the only defence for the poor and the weak. Here is an example of Columbanus's prescriptions.”

“The Irish approach to the sacrament of reconciliation was eventually adopted by the whole Church. The sacrament became something more than an absolution from sin. It became an opportunity for penitents to discuss their problems with the priest and receive advice and guidance. It was one area in which the influence of Columbanus has lasted down to the present day.”

“Be that as it may, the central fact is crystal clear. Despite the king’s orders, Columbanus and his monks were not forced to return to Ireland. They were now free and could go wherever they wanted outside the kingdom of Burgundy.”

“Columbanus was mourned throughout Europe. From Rome to far-off Bangor, they grieved for his passing and gave thanks for his achievements. From an island on the edge of the world, he had brought new hope and life to a broken continent. There was a symbolism in the fact that so many of his monasteries had been founded on the ruins of Roman buildings. He was constructing a new Europe on the shattered remains of the old empire, a work which is still going on today.”

And the last page or back cover of the booklet has this quote from Saint Columbanus:

“The Church our common mother is indeed torn asunder and grieves for the strife and civil warfare of her sons and in sorrow bewails the discord of her dearest... Then quickly my dearest friends, agree and meet together and refuse to argue over ancient quarrels, but rather hold your peace and commit them to eternal silence and forgetting: and if any things are doubtful, reserve them for God's judgement; but the things that are clear, on which men can take decision, decide these justly without favouritism, and let there be peaceful judgement in your gates, and pardon one another, that there may be joy in heaven and on earth for your peace and concord.”

I hope those quotes give you a feel for this Saint. I have stumbled upon Saint Columbanus in a few collections of stories about Irish Saints. This longer volume dedicated to him was a fascinating read. As seen by the quotes above. He is also sometimes referred to by various Latinised or Irish versions of his name including: Colmán, Columbán, Columbanus, and Columba.I did not know much about Columbanus before reading this volume. But after reading this volume he has been added to my long list of favourite Irish saints.

This book was inspiring. The life this monk, priest and Saint lived is incredible. And the time in which he lived and did it, it boggles the mind. It was a fascinating read from beginning to end.

I have tracked down a few other volumes from Desmond and plan to read all I can lay my hands on. Unfortunately most are out of print and never had eBook editions. I hope they will be back in print soon and that digital editions will be made available.

A fascinating read I can easily recommend to any Catholic! 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Books by Desmond Forristal:
Black Man's Country
Colum Cille: The Fox and the Dove
Edel Quinn, 1907-1944
Maximilian of Auschwitz
Newman In Dalkey
Oliver Plunkett
Seventeen Martyrs
Superstar or Son of God?
The Bridge at Lo Wu: A Life of Sister Eamonn O'Sullivan
The Christian Heritage
The First Loreto Sister Mother Teresa Ball 1794-1861
The Mystery of God
The Second Burial of Bishop Shanahan
The Siena Story 1722-1997
The T. V. generation
True Story of the Horrid Popish Plot
…
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Wednesday, 29 October 2025

Bernadette, Our Lady's Little Servant - Hertha Pauli and Georges Vaux - Vision Books

Bernadette, Our Lady's Little Servant 
Hertha Pauli 
Georges Vaux (Illustrator) 
ISBN ‎9780898707601 

Bernadette, Our Lady's Little Servant - Hertha Pauli and Georges Vaux - Vision Books Ignatius Press Edition

This volume is I believe the fifth ever published in the Vision Books for Young Readers series. There are currently 40 titles in print from Ignatius that brought many of the original books back into print and has since expanding the series with new offerings. There were 72 original volumes released between 1955 and 1967 and Ignatius has added 9 new titles to the series since the year 2000. This title originally released in 1956 and was reprinted by Ignatius in 1999. It should be noted this volume has been published under this title Bernadette, Our Lady's Little Servant and also Bernadette and the Lady.

I love the Vision Books for Young Readers, and this is another excellent offering in this great series. 

The current Ignatius description of this book states:

“This is the story of the girl to whom the Blessed Virgin appeared as "a little young lady" and revealed herself as the Immaculate Conception. Bernadette Soubirous lived with her family in the abandoned jail of the little French village of Lourdes, never dreaming that the very name of Lourdes would one day bring inspiration and hope to millions. Bernadette studied her Catechism, took care of her brothers and sisters, and gathered firewood – and no one knew she was a Saint. But one day, as she was gathering wood, Our lady appeared. Within a few weeks, thousands were kneeling in the field to pray to the Lady who could be seen and heard only by Bernadette. This was the beginning of one of the greatest Marian Shrines of modern times and of the miracles with which Our Lady blessed her children. Illustrated.”

The original description was:

“This is the story of the girl to whom the Blessed Virgin appeared as "a little young lady" and revealed herself as the Immaculate Conception.

Bernadette Soubirous lived with her parents, brothers, and sisters in the abandoned jail of the little French village of Lourdes, never dreaming that the very name of Lourdes would one day bring inspiration and hope to millions. Bernadette studied her Catechism, took care of her brothers and sisters, and gathered firewood—and no one knew she was a Saint. But one day, as she was gathering wood, Our Lady appeared. Within a few weeks, thousands were kneeling in the field to pray to the Lady who could be seen and heard only by Bernadette.

This was the beginning of the greatest pilgrimage of modern times and of the miracles with which Our Lady blessed her children. And all Bernadette could say was, "If Our Lady could have found a greater fool than I, she would have chosen her. ..." 

Bernadette and the Lady is the little story of the great miracle of Lourdes.” 

About the series in the first edition we are informed:

“Each new Vision Book adds another exciting life story to this rich collection of biographies for Catholic youngsters. Written by wellknown authors in sparkling, lively language, Vision Books are based upon careful research and historical fact. Imprimatur.”

About the author we are informed:

“Hertha Pauli, actress and author of wellknown books for children, was born in Vienna. Now an American citizen, she has lived and traveled in many countries of Europe. The land of Bernadette is especially significant in her life since it was in Lourdes that she and a group of other Europeans found refuge in their 1940 flight from the Nazis. It seemed miraculous that the invading Nazi Army stopped just short of Lourdes, and now, with deep faith and warm affection, Hertha Pauli recreates the story of Bernadette and the Lady.”

And she contributed two volumes to this series. I have read a few volumes about Saint Bernadette and Lourdes over the years and I am always blessed and challenged by them. 

The chapters in this volume are:

1. Wood-gathering 
2. Rockslide 
3. Promises 
4. Grotto Duty 
5. Heartburn 
6. Muddy Water 
7. Messages 
8. The Procession 
9. "I Am -" 
10. At the Crossroads 
11. Farewell Across the River . . . .
12. The Other World 

Typically when I read a vision book, I highlight several passages. I was so fascinated working through this one I find I did not highlight any passages, much to my surprise.

There is a lot we can learn from Saint Bernadette, and how she lived her life. She can be an example to us no matter our stage of life or age, and also no matter our vocation. Her simple approach; and trust is inspiring and challenging. I have read this at a time of transition in life, changing roles at work, moving because our landlord sold the house we rent, and other changes. It inspired me to pray and trust differently through this season. I have randomly been reading the books in this series, this one was perfectly timed for me, now, and at this place. This excellent volume will inspire and challenge readers of all ages. 

I love this book and series! My two youngest both teenagers enjoy the Vision Books, I am in my fifties and I love them, those Ignatius brought back in print, the new expansions of the series, and the originals I can lay my hands on that Ignatius has not licensed. This was a title early in the series and I am thankful to have read it. It would be an excellent volume for any home, school, or church library!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan!   

Books in the Vision Books Saints Biographies:
The Cure of Ars 
Edmund Campion 
Florence Nightingale's Nuns 
Fr. Marquette and the Great Rivers 
Francis and Clare, Saints of Assisi 
Kateri Tekakwitha 
Mother Cabrini, Missionary to the World 
Mother Seton and the Sisters of Charity 
Saint Anthony and the Christ Child 
Saint Catherine Laboure and the Miraculous Medal 
Saint Dominic and the Rosary 
Saint Elizabeth's Three Crowns 
Saint Francis of the Seven Seas 
Saint Helena and the True Cross 
Saint Ignatius and the Company of Jesus 
Saint Isaac and the Indians 
Saint Katherine Drexel 
Saint Louis and the Last Crusade 
Saint Philip of the Joyous Heart 
Saint Therese and the Roses 
Saint Thomas Aquinas and the Preaching Beggars 
Saint Thomas More of London 
Vincent De Paul: Saint of Charity 

Out of Print books in the Series:
Catholic Campuses, Stories of American Catholic Colleges 
Champions in Sports and Spirit 
Children Welcome: Villages for Boys and Girls 
Christmas and the Saints 
Columbus and the New World 
Dear Philippine: Mission of Mother Duchesne 
Edel Quinn: Beneath the Southern Cross 
Frances Warde and the First Sisters of Mercy 
Good Pope John b
Governor Al Smith 
In American Vineyards, Religious Orders in the United States 
John Carroll Bishop and Patriot
John Neumann, The Children's Bishop 
Kit Carson of the Old West 
Lydia Longley, the First American Nun 
Marguerite Bourgeoys, Pioneer Teacher 
Martin de Porres, Saint of the New World 
Modern Crusaders 
More Champions in Sports and Spirit 
Mother Barat's Vineyard 
My Eskimos: A Priest in the Artic 
Peter and Paul: The Rock and the Sword 
Peter Claver, Saint Among Slaves
Pope Pius XII, the World's Shepherd 
Rose Hawthorne: The Pilgramage of Nathaniel's Daughter 
Saints of the Byzantine World 
Sarah Peter: The Dream and the Harvest 
St. Augustine and His Search for Faith 
St. Francis de Sales 
St. Gregory the Great, Consul of God 
St. Jerome and the Bible 
St. Margaret Mary, Apostle of the Sacred Heart 
The Bible Story, The Promised Lord and His Coming 
The Cross in the West 
The Ursulines, Nuns of Adventure 
…
...


Vision Books Ignatius Press 2024

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Tuesday, 28 October 2025

When the White Smoke Clears: A Guide to the Early Days of Pope Leo XIV - Fr. Mike Schmitz, Jeff Cavins, Dr. Edward Sri, Fr. Josh Johnson, Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio, and other trusted Catholic Voices - Ascension

When the White Smoke Clears: A Guide to the Early Days of Pope Leo XIV 
Fr. Mike Schmitz
Jeff Cavins
Dr. Edward Sri
Fr. Josh Johnson
Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio 
and other trusted Catholic Voices
ISBN 9798892760997
eISBN 9798892761000
ASIN B0FJMK956B

When the White Smoke Clears: A Guide to the Early Days of Pope Leo XIV - Fr. Mike Schmitz, Jeff Cavins, Dr. Edward Sri, Fr. Josh Johnson, Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio, and other trusted Catholic Voices - Ascension

When Pope Leo Xiv was elected soon a long list of forthcoming books was available. I picked a few I was interested in. This was one of them, though it was the one with the furthers out publication date on that first list. I have now read a few volumes on Pope Leo XIV and one volume of his work collected from homilies, addresses and letters from prior to his election. This one along with Leo XIV The New Pope and Catholic Reform by Christopher R. Altieri would be my two favourites to date. . And I can state it is an excellent volume, one once I will likely return to and read again, I am planning on reading it during Advent this year and again during Lent next year.

The description of the book states:

“What happens when white smoke rises over St. Peter’s Square? The election of a new Holy Father is more than a historic event—it’s an invitation for Catholics to rediscover the heart of the papacy: its biblical foundations, its spiritual authority, the hope it brings the faithful, and our shared responsibility to pray for the pope as our universal pastor.

In this timely and accessible book, leading Catholic teachers and evangelists offer three key reflections:

     • Why the papacy matters: What the Church teaches about the office of the pope
     • Who Pope Leo XIV is: Insights into his life, his first words, and his early priorities
     • How to support him: Practical ways to pray for, fast for, and faithfully follow our new Holy Father
     • When the White Smoke Clears equips you to meet this pivotal moment in Church history with faith, clarity, and prayer.

This edition also includes:

     • An appendix of traditional and contemporary prayers for the pope
     • A glossary of key papal terms for quick reference

Photo used in the cover art by Francesco Sforza - Vatican Media © Vatican Pool/Getty Images 2025. Used with permission.”

The chapters and sections in this volume are:

Preface
Introduction - Fr. Francis J. Caponi, OSA 
Part I: Pope Leo XIV: The Man and the Office
1. Called by Name: From Chicago to Rome - The Ascension Team
2. Ordinary Made Extraordinary: Trusting God’s Plan - Fr. Mike Schmitz 
3. Father, Fisherman, and Shepherd: The Office of the Pope - Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio 

Part II: The Mission of Pope Leo XIV
4. What’s in a Name? The Legacy of Leo XIII - Dr. Michael A. Dauphinais 
5. Five Questions That Reveal Pope Leo’s Heart - Jeff Cavins 
6. Son of Augustine: The Spiritual Roots of Pope Leo XIV - Ashley and John Noronha 
7. “Look to Christ!”: 6 Key Themes of Pope Leo’s Vision for the Church - Dr. Edward Sri

Part III: Supporting Pope Leo XIV
8. Beyond the Media Storm: Navigating Papal Coverage Wisely - Katie Prejean McGrady 
9. Your Hidden Role in Pope Leo XIV’s Mission - Fr. Josh Johnson 
10. For Our Holy Father: A Catholic Prayer Companion
11. A Glossary of Papal Terms

I highlighted a number of passages while reading this volume. Some of them are:

“A s members of the Ascension team watched the white smoke rise from the Sistine Chapel chimney, we excitedly awaited the announcement of who our new pope would be. When Cardinal Mamberti stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and proclaimed the name of the man chosen by the College of Cardinals, we were stunned, like most of the world, to learn that an American had been elected to the Chair of Peter.”

“When the White Smoke Clears does not attempt to predict the future of Leo XIV’s papacy or offer a comprehensive analysis of his teachings. It is neither an exhaustive biography nor a definitive account of his vision for the Church. Pope Leo XIV continues to reveal himself to us daily through his words and actions, and it would be presumptuous to predict what his legacy will someday be. Instead, this collection of reflections by several Ascension collaborators offers something we believe is more immediately valuable: spiritual wisdom for how Catholics can receive, understand, and support our new Holy Father. Drawing from Scripture, Church teaching, and the witness of saints, our contributors—theologians, parish priests, media professionals, and lay Catholics—write not just as experts in their fields but as fellow believers seeking to understand and respond to God’s plan for this moment in the Church’s life.”

“Above all, though, is the sense we have that the Spirit has matched the man to the moment. As a priest, missionary, provincial, prior general, and bishop, Robert Prevost has been forged by a life of servant-leadership. We praise God that his hand has been on the man he has chosen.”

“In contrast, the authors of these essays are fluent in faith and perceptive in observation, and they introduce us to Leo in the best way possible—by meeting him on his own terms. Prayers and practices in support of Leo are presented. Vital concepts are explained, and important contexts are clarified. In these essays by Fr. Mike Schmitz, Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio, Dr. Edward Sri, Katie Prejean McGrady, and other experienced guides, readers will find a well-informed and readable guide to these early days of the new pope.”

“The election of Robert Francis Prevost to the papacy on May 8, 2025, marks a new chapter in the continuing story of the Church and of its role in bringing people to Christ. It is also the next chapter in Pope Leo XIV’s own story, written by God since his infancy. This Augustinian friar’s journey to the Chair of Peter reveals how God prepares his beloved children through a lifetime of experiences, relationships, and choices that seem, in retrospect, to point toward a greater purpose.”

“Those who knew Padre Roberto describe a man of infectious humor balanced by serious purpose. Seminary students remember his jokes and laughter but also his academic standards—he would not hesitate to dismiss students who violated the honor code. Local priests recall his willingness to speak out against injustices, from government corruption to the neglect of flood victims.”

“Throughout every stage of Fr. Prevost’s ministry, his Augustinian identity remained central to his approach. Those who lived and worked with him during this time described his efforts to build community as a way of life. Whether back with the brothers in the Augustinian housing or out in the streets, ministering to the people, he was always seeking ways to love and serve those around him.”

“The breadth of this experience—shepherding an international religious order, understanding diverse cultures, navigating complex administrative challenges—was forming Fr. Prevost for an even greater pastoral responsibility none could have imagined at the time.”

“Such is the power of the one, true Church. Over the centuries, it has managed to thrive and continuously draw more people in as they search for meaning and peace in a world that is fallen. By embracing the Church that Christ founded to help nourish and guide our souls through the stormy seas of life, we all can become something far greater than ourselves. It is in this hope that we are made strong enough to persevere through hardship and embrace callings far grander than we could have imagined.”

“Pope Leo XIV’s path from Chicago to the Chair of Peter reminds us that God often works in unexpected ways. Who would have predicted that a boy from the south side of Chicago would one day lead the universal Church? Yet through a lifetime of saying yes to God’s invitations, Robert Prevost was prepared for this ultimate service.”

“The role of the pope was not invented by some Church committee as an afterthought. It was established by Christ himself, when he conferred it upon Peter. It is an essential part of God’s plan to continue shepherding and fathering his people. Understanding this helps us see why our relationship with the Holy Father connects directly to our relationship with God as Father and with Jesus as the Good Shepherd.”

“Over the course of his papacy, he may make a statement or take an action that we disagree with. When this happens, we must have the humility to recognize that we do not understand the whole situation. There is a gap in our understanding. We need to fill that gap with trust.”

“First, pray for the pope every day. The weight of leadership he carries is immense. Every day, he must make decisions that affect the lives of over a billion Catholics worldwide. He needs our prayers for wisdom, courage, and strength. Make it a habit to include Pope Leo XIV in your daily prayers—perhaps during grace before meals or as part of your nightly examination of conscience.”

“So, let us welcome Pope Leo XIV with open hearts and minds. Let us pray for him daily. Let us listen attentively to his teaching. And let us allow the Holy Spirit to work through his ministry to challenge and transform us—so that together with him, we can become saints.”

“The pope can also make definitive judgments about matters closely related to faith and morals, such as what is necessary for the valid celebration of the sacraments or whether the witness of Scripture and Tradition allow for women to be ordained to the priesthood. When the successor of Peter makes such a definitive judgment, Catholics are no longer free to debate the issue.”

“So the Holy Father feeds the family of God through teaching expressed in a variety of ways—in homilies; in addresses to pilgrims, prelates, and heads of states; in apostolic letters and in encyclicals, among other types of documents. Catholics must receive such ordinary papal teaching with “religious submission of mind and will.” 24 This means that we always approach every teaching with gratitude and respect, doing our best to open our minds to it and allow our views and lives to be shaped by it.”

“Holiness is part of the Church’s very essence, just as being one, catholic (“ universal”), and apostolic are part of its essence. Everything about the Church is ordered toward bringing all of its members, including the pope, to the heights of holiness, even in this life.”

“The call to be a disciple of Christ and a member of the Church is a call to become a saint. The pope’s call to lead the Church, then, is a call to lead himself and all Christians along the path toward sanctity.”

“The pope is a father who is also a brother. His mission is to lead the Church along the same path to heaven that he himself is walking. As Pope Leo XIV said in his inaugural homily, “I come to you as a brother, who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy, walking with you on the path of God’s love, for he wants us all to be united in one family.””

“The Gospel of Christ renews those who accept it and try to live it. Leo XIII reminded his flock that this is exactly what happened as civilization grew under the Church. From the medieval Church came universities, hospitals, scientific institutions, legal principles such as being innocent until proven guilty, and recognition of each person’s duties and worth.”

“Each of these popes understood that earthly existence is not our final goal. We will never fully overcome sin and death in this life. Only Christ offers the salvation we truly need—eternal life with the Holy Trinity and all the saints.”

“Finally, as Jesus taught through questions, and as Pope Leo XIV has challenged us through the questions in his first homily, let us take some time to answer these five questions ourselves. Perhaps we will come to know the heart of Pope Leo better if we allow the Lord to form us as well.”

“We pray for Pope Leo XIV to draw the faithful back to the Liturgy and the sacraments in continuity with St. Augustine, who realized that without supernatural grace, it is impossible to please God and live a life of virtue.”

“Let’s look at the following six key themes that emerged in various addresses and homilies he gave in the first eleven days of his pontificate—from his first blessing on the loggia “to the city and to the world” to his inauguration Mass homily in St. Peter’s Square. Additional themes certainly could be chosen, but it is my hope that exploring these six topics that our new Holy Father discussed multiple times in his opening days will help dispose us to receive his spiritual leadership and respond more deeply to how God might be guiding us through him.”

“One way Pope Leo says we can help build a culture of peace is through our choice of words—avoiding words of hatred and division. He says we can build peace “by eliminating pride and vindictiveness and carefully choosing our words.””

“The challenge we have to give ourselves in this first year of a Leonine pontificate is to actually get to know the Holy Father—what he says and what he does—free of the media storm and commentary that will try to tell us who he is and what he is going to do.”

“Pope Leo XIV is the earthly leader of the Church. He is the Vicar of Christ. The Church is alive at this moment under the guidance and leadership of this pope.”

“These holy women, St. Catherine, St. Thérèse, and Blessed Elena, show us how loving the Holy Father through prayer and fasting can bring about powerful fruits of peace, wisdom, strength, and conviction in his mission.”

“Pope Leo XIV is a man who understands and feels the weight of his mission. He needs our prayers. He needs our sacrifices. He needs us, all of us—lay people, consecrated virgins, religious sisters and brothers, seminarians, deacons, priests, and bishops—to pray on his behalf.”

“St. Augustine saw the Christian life as a pilgrimage toward God. Your prayers, united with those of the saints and the faithful throughout the world, become a powerful support for the pope on that pilgrimage of faith, sustaining him in his ministry and helping him lead the Church in holiness and unity.”
 
I hope those quotes give you a feel for this excellent volume. The prayers in the penultimate chapter are:

The Pope’s Monthly Intentions: What They Are and Why They Matter
Why Should We Pray for These Intentions?
Praying the Weekly Angelus with the Pope
Angelus
Regina Caeli
Prayers for Pope Leo XIV
Prayer of Pope Leo XIII to St. Joseph
Prayer of Pope Leo XIII for the Church
Prayer of St. Alphonsus Liguori to Our Lady, Queen of Heaven
Memorare
Prayer to the Holy Spirit for the Church
Petitions of St. Augustine
Prayer of Pope Leo XIII for the Holy Father
The Peace Prayer of St. Francis
Praying Scripture for the Pope
For Strength and Courage
For Wisdom and Guidance
A Church Sustained by Prayer

I am surprised the prayer on the Ascension Pope Leo XIV prayer card was not included in the volume. I have come to really believe how important it is to be praying for our Pope, Bishops and priests. The definitions section has 29 entries broken into 4 categories:

General Terms
Terms Related to the Papal Administration
The Pope’s Traditional Means of Communication
Papal Decrees
Official Titles of the Pope

This is an excellent volume. I am familiar with almost all the contributors. And have read numerous volumes by a few of them. This book was a great balance of looking at how Pope Leo XIV got here, what we can interpret from his first addresses and homilies, and most importantly about our praying for and supporting him in his role as leader of Catholics world wide.

A few things in this volume took me by surprise. It does an good job capturing the state of the church, and what must be top of mind for Pope Leo XIV. Many of which I can related to and appreciate. I feel I did not pray enough for either of the previous pontiff’s but am trying to remedy that by praying for Pope Leo a few times a day. And this volume really reinforced that intention.

The greatest strength of this volume is the range of voices, decisional priests, religious priests, men, women, married couple, theologians, and biblical scholars. Each brings something different, each looks at the Pope and his pontificate through a different lens, but much like a phoropter in an optometrists office, by layering the lenses we achieve the clearest picture. And that clear picture is built from history, both ancient and modern, from a look at the love before he was elected pope, and from the institutions and roles that shaped him. 

This is an excellent volume that I can easily recommend for any Catholic, or anyone interested in Pope Leo XIV at the beginning of his pontificate.  

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan! 


Books about Pope Leo XIV:
LEO XIV: Portrait of the First American Pope - Matthew Bunson 
Pope Leo XIV Inside the Conclave and the Dawn of a New Papacy - Christopher White 

Books By Pope Leo XVI:
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Related Posts:
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Books By Father Mike Schmitz:
Made for Love: Same-Sex Attraction and the Catholic Church


Contributed to:
Pray, Decide, and Don't Worry: Five Steps to Discerning God's Will
Don't Be Afraid to Say Yes to God! Pope Francis Speaks to Young People
…


Books by Edward Sri:
Mystery of the Kingdom: On the Gospel of Matthew
Follow Me: Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of John
Queen Mother: A Biblical Theology of Mary's Queenship
Dawn of the Messiah: The Coming of Christ in Scripture
A Biblical Walk Through the Mass: Understanding What We Say and Do In The Liturgy
Men, Women and the Mystery of Love: Practical Insights from John Paul II's Love and Responsibility
Walking with Mary: A Biblical Journey from Nazareth to the Cross
The Bible Compass: A Catholic's Guide to Navigating the Scriptures
The New Rosary in Scripture: Biblical Insights for Praying the 20 Mysteries
The Real Story: Understanding the Big Picture of the Bible
Who Am I to Judge? Responding to Relativism with Logic and Love
Dawn of the Messiah: The Coming of Christ in Scripture
Love Unveiled: The Catholic Faith Explained
The Advent of Christ: Scripture Reflections to Prepare for Christmas
Pope Francis and the Joy of the Gospel: Rediscovering the Heart of a Disciple
A Guide to the New Translation of the Mass
Praying the Rosary Like Never Before: Encounter the Wonder of Heaven and Earth
The Da Vinci Code and the Bible: Separating Fact from Fiction
The Da Vinci Deception: 100 Questions about the Facts and Fiction of the Da Vinci Code
…

Books by Marcellino D'Ambrosio:
When the Church Was Young: Voices of the Early Fathers
40 Days, 40 Ways: A New Look at Lent
Exploring the Catholic Church: An Introduction to Catholic Teaching and Practice
Straight Talk to Teens about Sex and Morality
Exploring the Catholic Church: How Being a Catholic Makes a Difference to Everyday Life
How Mary and the Rosary Can Change Your Life
Getting More Out of the Mass: Unlocking the Life-Changing Power of Christ's Real Presence
Confirmation: Sacrament of Champions
Feast of Faith: A Four-Part Adult Faith Program on the Eucharist
Why Be Catholic?
A Guide to the Passion: 100 Questions About The Passion of The Christ
Vatican II: The Real Story
...



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