A Man Who Knew How to Forgive: Lessons from the Life of St. Josemaria Escriva - Francesc Faus

A Man Who Knew How to Forgive:
Lessons from the Life of St. Josemaria Escriva
Francesc Faus
Scepter Press
ISBN 9781594171536
eISBN 9781594171574
ASIN B00540AZZ6


This book took me completely by surprise. I have read a lot about Saint Josemaría Escrivá over the last 15 years or so, but the depth of his mercy, and his ability to forgive and be cheerful in almost all circumstances is incredible. I really believe that all people, especially Christians can improve in our practice of forgiveness. And in this book we have an incredible example, actually many examples from a man that lived through far more than most of us will ever experience.

This book draws examples from Saint Josemaría Escrivá's life and ministry but breaks them down chronologically, before the Spanish civil war, during the war and after the war. The specific sections in this book are:
Introduction
Part I: Forgiving Amid A Climate Of Hatred
A Young And Poor Student
Darkening Clouds
A Heart In Love With Freedom
Reconciliation Through Soccer
Climbing The Hill Of Forgiveness
Prejudice And Class Hatred
The Construction Worker Covered With Lime
Black Spain!
A Cockroach!
Mud On His Head
Festering Hatred
Where Did This Forgiveness Come From?
A Wager By His Students
The Wounded Gypsy
The Brothel Owner's Brother
The Strength With Which To Go Forward

Part 2: Forgiveness In Times Of War
The Conflict Breaks Out
Pursued Like A Criminal
The Refugees
Living Space
Family Life
A Noticeable Absence
The Fugitive
Murdered Friends
The Periscope And The Laugh
A Story Of Resentment
Forgiveness In Less Dramatic Situations: Patience

Part 3: Forgiveness In Peacetime
"Friendly Fire"
The Circumstances Of The Time
Where Were The Attacks Coming From?
In Barcelona: "A New Storm"
Some Events And Their Repercussions
Pray, Be Silent, Forgive, Work, And Smile
Consolation In Tribulation
The Shock Wave Reaches Rome
Where Freedom Is Not Loved
A Man Who Knew How To Apologize

Appendix I
On The Life And Message Of St. Josemaría Escrivá
Appendix II
Excerpts From Pope John Paul Ii At The Canonization Of St. Josemaría

Saint Escrivá's ability to forgive brought me to tears a few times while reading this book. I am not sure in the same circumstances I could even ask God to help me forgive. Faus states "Awareness of being a sinner in need of forgiveness did not take away his peace or hope. He lived trustingly, because he abandoned himself to the mercy of God." And that is central to many of the stories in this book. His own awareness of the need for mercy and forgiveness allowed him to be so forgiving, and when needed to ask forgiveness of others.

The stories in this book are moving, they are personal and they are a great example to us as people of faith. Reading this book may bring to mind people you need to forgive or even people you need to ask forgiveness of. It will soften your heart, and once softened the Holy Spirit will be able to work and using the examples from Saint Escrivá's life guide you to live more love, more forgiveness, and to live a life of sanctity.

This book was an incredible read. I have already added it back into my reading list to reread it again in 6-8 months. I know I need the reminders of the examples in this book. And I think you would benefit from it also. It is well worth reading for all who hope to grow closer to god!



Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by St. Josemaria Escriva:
Christ Is Passing By
Conversations with Saint Josemaria
The Forge
Friends of God
Furrow
Holy Rosary
In Love with the Church
The Way
The Way of the Cross

The Way of the Cross - Booklet Illustrated Michael O'Brien

Praying the Stations of the Cross with St. Josemaria Escriva

The Way, Furrow, Forge (3 in 1 Edition)

Points of Meditation About Our Lady from St. Josemaría

...

Books about St. Josemaria Escriva:
A Man Who Knew How to Forgive: Lessons from the Life of St. Josemaria Escriva - Francesc Faus
Josemaria Escriva - Helena Scott and Ethel Tolansky - CTS Biographies
Praying 15 Days with St. Josemaria Escriva - Guillaume Derville

Loving Christ Through St Josemaría Escrivá - Holly Melita Rodriguez

Coached by Josemaría Escrivá - Henry Hanson, O. Praem.

...

Volumes in the St Josemaria Escriva's Collected Letters:

Introduction

Letters 1: Singuli dies, 24 March 1930

Letters 2: Videns eos, 24 March 1931

The Burgos Letters (1938-1939): Three Circular Letters

Letters: Letter 3: Res omnes, 9 January 1932

Letter 4: Vos autem, 16 July 1933 : Letter 4: Vos autem, 16 July 1933 

Letter 5: Euntes ergo, 2 October 1939 

Letter 6: Sincerus est, 11 March 1940

Letter 7: Quem per annos, 24 October 1942 

Letter 8: Legitima hominum, 31 May 1943 

…

Other Posts:

Prayer of the day Pray with Saint Josemaría Escrivá

Pray to the Holy Spirit from Saint Josemaría Escrivá

A Prayer of the Day St Escriva Prayer for Vocations

...

Other Way of the Cross Reviews:
The Way of The Cross
The Way of The Cross II

7 Riddles to Nowhere - A.J. Cattapan

7 Riddles to Nowhere
A.J. Cattapan
Vinspire
ISBN 9780997173253
eISBN 9781370450107
ASIN B01JPVA8X8

This was the second book by A.J. Cattapan I have read, and currently there are only two available. And this was an wonderful read. When I was in university I did two different Children's Literature courses and I believe this book would be a great addition to either of them. The pace is incredible. The plot and story are both wonderful. 

When I started reading this book I thought about The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin, and a few paragraphs one of the characters compares the events happening to that same book. And as much as I loved that book in the end, it took a while to grow on me, where this book had me hooked from the get go. In fact I found it very hard to put this book down, I kept saying 'just one more chapter' until the book was finished in two sittings. 

As can be guessed by the title, and the comparison to The Westing Game this book focuses around seven riddles. There are a group of heirs trying to obtain a fortune. Now most of the heirs know the family story and stories about their quirky uncle Edward. But Kameron Boyd, Kam is not related, he is the mystery cousin. And the other cousins are searching for the treasure for the money; Kam wants to find the treasure so that he can save his school. Kam has been to five schools in seven years. He also cannot speak when adults are around outside of his home. St. Jude's has had declining enrolment for years, and though it does well on the state wide tests, and has great equipment the diocese plans to close it down unless the school can come up with a plan. And thus enters the 7 Riddles contest. Because of his issue talking this is the first time Kam has felt at home in a school and has real friends. And he wants to win the contest to keep that together.

This story is part adventure, part scavenger hunt, part church history, part travel, and a whole lot of mystery. Kam and his friends visit 5 Catholic churches in and around Chicago while following the riddles. The artwork and layout of the churches are true to real life. Because of his issue talking this is the first time Kam has felt at home in a school and has real friends.

The whole story takes place over a few days. The main part of the clue hunt is during a single day. Kam and his friends are wonderful characters. And the church history that is woven into the story is a lot of fun. Both of the 5 churches visited and the theology behind some of the clues and riddles. 

I absolutely loved this story and look forward to reading it again with my children. The oldest now and the others as they grow older. And I sincerely hope that we see more from A.J. Cattapan soon, I for one will be keeping an eye out for more reads and if they are as good as this we are in for some more great reading! 

Books by A.J. Cattapan:
Anglehood
Seven Riddles to Nowhere

The Monks' Castle

…

As Amy J. Cattapan:

Sweet Jesus, Is It June Yet?

Hope Without Borders 30 Days with Frances Xavier Cabrini - Great Spiritual Teachers

A Saint Squad for Teachers: 45 Heavenly Friends to Carry You Through the School Year

...

Contributed to:

The Christmas Lights

A Foul Christmas

…

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!

Product Review - TRESemmé Botanique Detox & Restore Shampoo

TRESemmé Botanique Detox & Restore Shampoo
With Green Tea & Ginger
739ml
Tresemmé
ASIN B0199WNOM0

First the good, then the bad, and than the ugly.

The Good:
No Dyes.
No Parabens.
Silicone-Free.
Safe for color treated hair.

The Bad:
The Smell
Does not lather well.

The Ugly:
The Smell

I was really interested in trying this product. I love ginger and green tea. I have had numerous Shampoos' with either or both scents before, but usually they are colored bright green. But the scent on this one was so bad that after a few uses my wife stated I had to stop using it. Neither my wife nor I could take the scent. I honestly cannot recommend this product.

Angelhood - A.J. Cattapan

Angelhood
A.J. Cattapan
Vinspire
ISBN 9780990304289
eISBN 9781311820785
ASIN B00VN1JAVU




I have mixed feelings about this book. It is my introduction to A.J. Cattapan's writings, and it is very well written. But I also have a little unease. So First I will cover off the positives and then share my concerns.

First this book is very well written. It grabs you right away and you really want to know what is going to happen next. It is new and unique in presenting Guardian Angels, as people who have already passed away, and they are given a chance to help someone who faces struggles similar to their own. So when you die you become a guardian angel, and as an angel you have the choice to fight for your charge or give up. We see both in this book.

Nanetta was a young girl with her heart set on one thing. She wanted to get into a specific university program. When she doesn't she commits suicide. But the peace she was expecting in the afterlife did not come. First she goes through periods of darkness and witnessing the life of a girl named Vera. She soon meets another guardian angel who starts to teach her some of the ropes. But even the angels have their own faults and soon he is distracted and disappearing all the time. Nanette is desperate to help Vera and struggling to find a way.

It is a very touching and moving book. And I do believe that it might help some young people who are considering suicide realize the greater extent of the impact of their actions. And the book could be used as a discussion guide about the topic of suicide, and even why we are here.

But my concern is that some young readers might take the book too literally. That they might consider the possibility of the second chance in the afterlife, that there is no theological basis for.

As fiction it is very well written, with strong characters and a compassionate and moving storyline. The pacing is good. The handling of the topic is excellent. And I would recommend it but I would be selective about who I passed this book on to. The nuances of the theology and fictional betrayal of angels would be lost on less mature readers or those more grounded in the faith. But as mentioned it is very well written.

Books by A.J. Cattapan:
Anglehood
Seven Riddles to Nowhere

The Monks' Castle

…

As Amy J. Cattapan:

Sweet Jesus, Is It June Yet?

Hope Without Borders 30 Days with Frances Xavier Cabrini - Great Spiritual Teachers

A Saint Squad for Teachers: 45 Heavenly Friends to Carry You Through the School Year

...

Contributed to:

The Christmas Lights

A Foul Christmas

…

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!

The Landry News - Andrew Clements and Brian Selznick

The Landry News

Andrew Clements
Brian Selznick (Illustrator) 
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
A Division of Simon and Schuster
ISBN 9780689828683
eISBN 9780689850523
ASIN B008O4M174



This is the 17th book by Andrew Clements that I have read in under a year. With each new book I am even more impressed with his writing. A number of his books have achieved 5 out of 5 Stars from me but this is one of the best I have yet read by Clements. As I have stated in other reviews one of the best things about most of Clements writings is it is in a realistic fiction style. By that I mean they are stories you could see happen in real life, with kids your know, or in schools you or your children go to. 

Brian Selznick now of Hugo Cabret fame illustrated this book. He has illustrated a number of Andrew Clements books. And his illustrations always add to the stories. 

This story is different than a number of Clements other stories in that the Teacher, Mr. Larson plays a key role. This book deals with a number of issues, free speech, responsibility, divorce, anger management and learning to try again. Many years ago Mr. Landry was teacher of the year, but now he sits at the front of the class disengaged and for all appearances just waiting for retirement. His classes are unstructured and he allows the students to self-direct. But an incident with Cara Landry, and her passion for creating newspapers sparks a flame. The flame is sparked in Clara, in Mr Landy, in their class, and through the papers distribution the whole school.

The principal who has had longstanding conflict with Mr. Larson sees this as his opportunity to force Larson into early retirement. And as things escalate, the tension between the two rises and it raises the stakes, all the way to the board, and local and regional news. And things come to a head at a school board meeting. Fortunately by this point Cara and many of the students are now on Mr. Larson's side. The piece that started the conflict was written by a student about his feelings during his parent's separation and divorce. 

I will not spoil the story for you other than to state that it is very moving and powerful. This is another great book by an amazing author and I greatly recommend it to you.   

Books by Andrew Clements:
Bird Adalbert
Noah and the Ark and the Animals
Santa's Secret Helper
Temple Cat
Mother Earth's Counting Book
Billy and the Bad Teacher
Who Owns the Cow
Bright Christmas: An Angel Remembers
Frindle 
(Adapter)Philipp's Birthday Book
Riff's BeBop Book
Real Monsters Go for the Mold
Things That Go EEK on Halloween
Real Monsters Stage Fright
Music Time, Any Time
Double Trouble in Walla Walla
Workshop
Gromble's Haunted Halloween
Hey Dad, Could I Borrow Your Hammer
The Landry News
Look Who's in the Thanksgiving Play
The Mouse Family
The Janitor's Boy
Circus Family Dog
The Christmas Kitten
The School Story
Things Not Seen 
The Jacket 
A Week in the Woods
Slippers at Home
Naptime for Slippers
The Report Card
The Last Holiday Concert
Slippers at School
Slippers Loves to Run
A Million Is a Lot of Dots
Lunch Money
Things Hoped For
Room One: A Mystery or Two
No Talking
Things That Are
Lost and Found
Extra Credit
Troublemaker
About Average
The Map Trap
The Friendship War
The Losers Club
...

Pets to the Rescue Series
Ringo Saves the Day!
Brave Norman
Tara and Tiree, Fearless Friends
Delores and the Big Fire

Jake Drake Series
Jake Drake Know-It-All
Jake Drake, Bully Buster
Jake Drake, Teacher's Pet
Jake Drake, Class Clown

Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School Series
We the Children
Fear Itself
The Whites of Their Eyes
In Harm's Way
We Hold These Truths

Reading Program Books
Karen's Island
Three Wishes for Buster
Bill Picket: An American Original, Texas Style
Hurricane Andrew
Ham and Eggs for Jack
Life in the Desert
Desert Treasure
Inventors: Making Things Better, Steck-Vaughn
Milo's Great Invention

The Deacon Reader - James Keating Editor

The Deacon Reader
James Keating
Paulist Press
ISBN 9780809143894
ASIN B006QHVTUG

In starting to read about the permanent diaconate I could not think about a better book to begin with. This collection of essays edited by James Keating does an amazing job of giving a historical background, the factors that lead to reinstating this ministry, a general overview, and some personal reflections on this ministry. To be honest while reading this book I stopped a few times and wrote down extensive notes, and started looking for other books mentioned.

The sections in this book are:

Introduction
PART ONE Historical and Theological Foundations for Diaconal Identity
1. The History of the Diaconate
2. The Contemporary Renewal of the Diaconate
3. The Deacon and Gaudium et Spes
4. The Diaconate as Medius Ordo: Service in Promotion of Lay Participation
5. The Deacon: Icon of the Sign of Hope
6. The Moral Life of the Deacon

PART TWO Pastoral Foundations for Diaconal Identity
7. Theological Education and the Diaconate
8. Father and Shepherd
9. The Deacon and Personal Prayer
10. The Deacon and Work
11. The Sacramental Ministry of the Deacon in Parish Life

PART THREE Sociological Foundations for Diaconal Identity and Marriage
12. The Diaconate and Marriage: A Sociological Reflection
13. The Deacon's Wife: An Emerging Role

Epilogue: The Kenotic Leadership of Deacons
Notes
Select Theological Bibliography

And the contributors are:
Thomas Baker
Charles A. Bobertz
Owen F. Cummings
William T. Ditewig
Edward J. Enright
James Keating
Gerald F. Kicanas
Mark A. Latcovich
William S. McKnight
Paul McPartlan
Rebecca Meehan
Ray R. Noll
Michael Ross

I fist looked at the Diaconate almost twenty five years ago. And I wish there had been a book like this at that time. This book has a strong focus on the history and theology of the deacon. The greatest strength of this book is the diverse voices. Hearing from so many men who are deacons or in involved with the ministry and formation of deacons. They bring years of practical knowledge to their respective chapters in this book.

From my first reading of this book, one of the most powerful chapters was chapter 2, The Contemporary Renewal of the Diaconate, by  Deacon William T. Ditewig. This chapter focus on the modern renewal up to and including Vatican II. Deacon William states: "At least four streams of influence converged at the council: (1) the German experience prior to the Second World War, (2) the Dachau experience and postwar developments centered in Germany and France, (3) pastoral developments related to the missio ad gentes and catechetics, and (4) significant papal teachings. I reread this chapter through a few times, and am trying to track down one of the books that it mentions that was last published in 1965. This books is worth the price for this chapter alone.

I also loved the chapters in the second section. The focus on The pastoral foundation of the identity of the deacon. The focus on the theological education and its importance to the deacon's formation and life. The deacon and work, and the ministry of being ordained and yet working in the world. The deacon's prayer life. And the Sacramental ministry of the deacon. I am sure I will end up reading books on each of these topics but the overviews given in the essays in this chapter. A great quote from this section is "Most diaconate formation focuses on the deacon's "church" identity: theology, sacramental ministry, preaching, and pastoral endeavors. This is all to the good, but as a result few deacons have had much chance to reflect on how their diaconate might find expression in their work, and how their work experiences can enrich the church. This chapter offers a few beginning reflections on this topic, along with some thoughts that might help stimulate thinking about some new future directions." And really leads on to ponder, reflect and pray. And looking at life in work "A second challenge for deacons as working people is to serve as a model of people who do not build walls between their lives as workers on the one hand and their lives as Christians on the other. Erecting those walls is a tempting proposition, because being a Christian person in a workplace is not a task that comes without problems. The fact is, Christian values and business values, while not completely incompatible, are not identical, and no one in business can lose sight of it." Yes all Catholics all Christians are called to model their faith at work. But with deacons there will end up being an even greater expectation.

The chapter on the deacons wife was also an eye opener. If a deacon, can end up being caught between two worlds, or bridging two words, the deacons wife will experience that but with an extra layer.

I have found that by reading this book I am not only thinking about my future but praying for the deacons that I know. Praying for their ministry, their families and they witness.  This was an excellent read. I would recommend this book to those who are considering the ministry of being a deacon. But it would also be great for committed Catholics who want to understand this ministry in their church and maybe learn how to support these men in a new way.

A great read and I look forward to reading more from some of the contributors over the next few months. Overall I would rate this as an excellent read!


Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!


Books by James Keating:
The Deacon Reader 
Spousal Prayer: A Way to Marital Happiness 
Listening for Truth: Praying Our Way to Virtue 
The Heart of the Diaconate
Pure Heart, Clear Conscience: Living a Catholic Moral Life 
A Deacon's Retreat 
Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion 
Spirituality and Moral Theology: Essays from a Pastoral Perspective 
Seminary Theology: Teaching in a Contemplative Way  
Seminary Theology II: Theology and Spiritual Direction in Dialogue
Seminary Theology III: Seminary Formation and Psychology  
The Way of Mystery: The Eucharist and Moral Living
Conscience and Prayer: The Spirit of Catholic Moral Theology  
Resting on the Heart of Christ 
Spiritual Fathers: A Workbook for Priests and Dads 
Entering Into the Mind of Christ: The True Nature of Theology 
Communion with Christ: Practical Prayer
The Character of the Deacon: Spiritual and Pastoral Foundations  
The Priest as Beloved Son 
Moral Formation in the Parish: With Your Whole Heart Turn to God
Christ as the Foundation of Seminary Formation

Live Well Today - Fr. Thomas Dailey - St. Francis de Sales's Simple Approach to Holiness

Live Well Today:

St. Francis de Sales's Simple Approach to Holiness

Fr. Thomas Dailey

Sophia Institute Press

ISBN 9781622823017

ASIN B011PX9SNA

To be honest I picked up this book based on the title 'Live Today Well', and did not even notice the subtitle 'St. Francis de Sales's Simple Approach to Holiness' until I went to read it. But having read one book by de Sales last year and having two on my reading plan for this year I was very eager when I began the book. For almost 20 years now I have signed off my personal emails with 'Peace and Strength! Yours, learning to be'; I have seen my life purpose as learning to be and to become good at being. Or as Mathew Kelly puts it so often 'to become the best version of myself'; and therefore the title of the book grabbed my attention, but the subtitle fits with my daily goals, each day to be better than the day before, to grow in holiness and God's grace. And this book really lives up to my high expectations. 

The sections in this book are:

Introduction

Part 1 Salesian Spirituality

The Devout Life

St. Francis's Spiritual Directory

Part 2 Our Daily Routine

Our Daily Routine

On Rising: Starting Your Day Right

On the Day's Preparation: Looking to Be Holy

On the Direction of Intention: The Key to Spiritual Perfection

On Meals: Finding the Extraordinary in the Ordinary

On Work: And Taking Spiritual Repose

On Leisure: Interacting with Others

The Examen: Reviewing Our Daily Progress

On Retiring: Practicing Detachment

Part 3 Sacred Moments

Sacred Moments

Prayer: Communing with the Divine

Living the "Little Virtues"

Confession and the Grace of Reconciliation

Mass and the Grace of Encounter

Conclusion

The Universal Call to Holiness

The Spiritual Directory

Helpful Resources for Living Well

This book begins with an excellent quote: 

Let us be firmly resolved to serve God with our whole heart and life. Beyond that, let us have no care about tomorrow. Let us think only of living today well, and when tomorrow comes, it also will be today and we can think of it then.

- St. Francis de Sales, letter CXC, to Mademoiselle de Soulfour, July 22, 1603

And the book only gets better from there. Father Dailey states: "The seminal insight of the Salesian tradition remains as relevant today as it was in the saint's time - namely, that a life of devotion is a universal human calling, that holiness is possible in all walks of life, that a meaningful and fulfilling existence awaits all those who live well." And the book goes on from there to give real, concrete examples of what this spirituality is, and how to live it out, and through living it out learning to live today well.

This book does an excellent job of giving guidance in living a spiritual life, but balancing that with living in the world and all of our responsibilities. The book is very well written. It is not a complicated theological treatise, it is intended as a simple guide and it meets that goal. There are tricks and tips for the spiritual life. You will learn about overcoming your greatest temptation, yow to make good confessions, yow to manage your time, and different ways to become aware of God's presence. 

This book is an excellent read. It is a great introduction to Salesian spirituality. It was way more than I expected and I was hoping for a lot from this book. Father Thomas writes in a very engaging manner. This is another excellent resource from Sophia Institute Press and I commend it to you if you are serious about growing in your spiritual life!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Saint Francis de Sales:
Introduction to the Devout Life
The Sign of the Cross
The Art of Loving God
Roses Among Thorns
Finding God's Will for You

...

Sermons of St. Francis de Sales:
Sermons of St. Francis de Sales on Prayer
Sermons of St. Francis de Sales on Our Lady
Sermons of St. Francis de Sales for Lent
Sermons of St. Francis de Sales for Advent and Christmas

…

Books about St. Francis de Sales:

Francis de Sales - J.B. Midgley - CTS Great Saints

Live Well Today - Fr. Thomas Dailey - St. Francis de Sales's Simple Approach to Holiness

Totum Amoris Est - Pope Francis

…