Saturday, 12 June 2021

Understanding the Ordinariate Catholics of the Anglican Patrimony - Father Edward Tomlinson - CTS Explanations

Understanding the Ordinariate: 
Catholics of the Anglican Patrimony
Father Edward Tomlinson
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 9781784690748
eISBN 9781784693879 
ASIN B073H26TY4
CTS Booklet EX58 


I have read almost 200 books from the Catholic Truth Society, CTS, over the last several years. This is the fifth title I have read in the CTS Explanations Series. I have read books from many series. And many authors. I have read several books that are part of the CTS Devotions and Prayer Series. I have read many in the CTS Biographies and also Saints of the Isles Series, and the Great Saints Series.  This is the first by Edward Tomlinson that I have read, and I believe it is his only book to date. The description of the booklet is:

“In 2009 Pope Benedict XVI formally responded to petitions for closer unity from many of the Anglican patrimony. Thus, the Personal Ordinariates were created – a new space within the Latin Rite in which the Anglican tradition may flourish: no longer in separation from Rome but now in unity with it. Common questions asked about the Ordinariate are answered here, explaining the different Ordinariates, how they were founded, how they function and relate to other Catholics; how to enter the Ordinariate, and questions on the role of clergy, lay faithful, the Mass, marriage and other topics.”

This is one of the smaller booklets I have read from the CTS coming in at 40 pages. But it is packed full of information. I was aware of the name the Ordinariate but really did not know much about it. This book did an excellent job or remedying that. The chapters in the volume are:

Preface
Introduction
1 Understanding an Ordinariate
2 The Anglican patrimony
3 How an Ordinariate begins
4 Entering an Ordinariate
5 The role of the lay faithful
6 The role of the clergy
7 Marriage questions
8 The Ordinariate liturgy
9 Other questions people ask

This book really did an excellent job of explaining the inns and out of the Ordinariate. It does so in clear and concise fashion. In the preface we are told:

“In the interests of securing unity, in 2009, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI responded favourably to a group of Anglicans who, having come to accept the teaching of the Catholic Church, petitioned to join. In the interests of evangelisation they were asked to enter Catholicism retaining aspects of their Anglican/English spiritual patrimony lost at the Reformation.

The Personal Ordinariates were created - a new space within the Latin Rite in which Anglican tradition may flourish: no longer in separation from Rome but now in unity with it.”

Father Tomlinson does an excellent job explaining this. In many ways it is It is like a mini Catechism on the Ordinariate. It is written in the Question and answer format.  A few examples are:

“1.1 What is an Ordinariate?

An Ordinariate is much like a diocese within the Catholic Church, except that it is defined primarily by membership not geography. For this reason its territory overlaps that of established dioceses and can cover entire nations. Governed by a bishop (or designated priest) called an “Ordinary”, membership of the Personal Ordinariates is made up of former Anglicans, their family members and eligible new converts who wish to belong to the Ordinariate.”

“2.2 What are the liturgical aspects of Anglican Patrimony?

The document Anglicanorum Coetibus states that “without excluding liturgical celebrations according to the Roman Rite, the Ordinariate has the faculty to celebrate the Holy Eucharist and the other Sacraments, the Liturgy of the Hours and other liturgical celebrations according to the liturgical books proper to the Anglican Tradition, which have been approved by the Holy See, so as to maintain the liturgical, spiritual and pastoral traditions of the Anglican Communion within the Catholic Church, as a precious gift nourishing the faith of members of the Ordinariate and as a treasure to be shared.”

“3.2 Does an Ordinariate come under the authority of a local Catholic bishop?

No. An Ordinariate is an autonomous self-governing community and does not come under the authority of local diocesan bishops. Each Ordinariate is accountable to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith only. However, in practice, the Ordinary, his clergy and people work co-operatively with local bishops in the shared mission of the whole Church. Indeed, in many places Ordinariate clergy are caring for parishes that are home to both diocesan Catholics and Ordinariate members alike.”

“4.3 Can “cradle Catholics” become members of an Ordinariate?

In 2013 Pope Francis widened the remit of the Ordinariates by allowing Catholics who were baptised but not confirmed to be eligible for full membership within the Ordinariate. This gives the Ordinariates a clear missionary focus. Any Catholic who is already confirmed in another diocese is not eligible to become a full registered member but is nonetheless free to worship in an Ordinariate setting and associate themselves with the work and mission of the Ordinariates.”

“5.2 Can Anglicans receive Communion in Ordinariate churches?

At the Reformation, Anglicans opted to break from the Bishop of Rome and chose to exist “out of communion” with the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church laments but respects the decision. Anglicans are therefore prohibited from receiving the Sacrament at a Catholic Mass, including those of the Ordinariate, Holy Communion being a sign of unity.”

I hope those few examples will capture your interest and inspire you to give this booklet a read. It was fascinating. It is an excellent little book. Give it a read and grow in understanding about this branch of the Catholic Church. I highly recommend this book. Another great read from the Catholic Truth Society!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

For reviews of other books in the CTS Explanations series click here.

Books in the CTS Explanations Series:
Marriage Annulment in the Catholic Church
Jehovah’s Witnesses
Does the Church oppress Women?
Organ Transplant – and the definition of Death
Abortion
Be Yourself An Explanation of Humility - William Lawson SJ
Gene Therapy – and Human Genetic Engineering
Prenatal tests
Gift of life and Love
Islam
Euthanasia
Infertility
Homosexuality
Cloning and Stem Cell Research
Contraception and Chastity
Freemasonry and the Christian Faith
Intelligent Life in the Universe
Spirits, Mediums & The Afterlife
Understanding the Ordinariate Catholics of the Anglican Patrimony



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Friday, 11 June 2021

Blood, Bone and Coffin - Edwin Torr - Dead Means Dead Book 0.0

Blood, Bone and Coffin
Dead Means Dead Book 0.0
Obolus Books
ASIN B07BZDZ4TH


This is the 9th book I have read from the pen of this author. But who is he really? I have read all of his adult crime novels published as J.E. Mayhew. I have read one of his Young Adult collections of short stories as Jon Mayhew. And this is the first I have read under the pen name of Edwin Torr, but it will not be the last. Reaching out to the author before reading this one I believe there are 8 stories published under this name and in this series. There are three novels and 5 novella’s or short stories to date. And though this is the first chronologically I believe it was the last published, and written. It is a really fun story. While reading this I could not help but think about Cedar Sanderson’s The Groundskeeper Raking Up the Dead and Zombie Death Extreme Neeta Lyffe, Zombie Exterminator by Karina Fabian all three authors approaches are very different the stories are somewhat similar and just as enjoyable and memorable. 

This story was immensely entertaining. And there is something eerily familiar about Detective Inspector Savage. The story focuses around a job that Tom Coffin; Specialist Funeral Director has been called on to resolve. His job is to put the undead back in the ground. And he is partnered with a cop, Sergeant Quinn, who is on the outs and at first does not believe what they are really up against. Coffin’s mode of transport is a car called Persephone, a Jaguar XJ hearse a 1995 model. A vehicle that looks like the offspring of a family station wagon and the Popemobile.  

But things in Hampton Green are not what they appear. Yes it appears someone has crawled out of their grave. An older man who had been at a retirement home before passing. And by all reports was a very nice, kind and gentle man. And Coffin and Quinn need to put him back where he belongs.  But something still feels off. And by the time Coffin realizes the pieces he missed will it be too late? To find out you will need to read this story.

This story was awesome from the first few sentences. 

“The phone always had a habit of ringing when I was right in the middle of something. I supposed that was true for everyone but, for most people, I guessed that the intrusion was more of an inconvenience than anything else. Maybe their phones rang when they were in the middle of baking something delicate and difficult or when they were smiling across the table into a pair of sparkling eyes. 

I wasn’t cooking a soufflé or on a hot date, I was seconds away from wrestling a dead guy to the ground and sending him back to his maker. I crouched behind a gravestone, knee-deep in long, wet grass with rain water trickling down the back of my neck. The dead guy half sat and half slouched against the stone that bore his name. I could smell him from my hiding place. He’d been underground for a while and that sweet, rotten scent filled the air around him. From where I hid, I couldn’t make out his face, just the slope of his huge shoulders and the grey dome of his bald head. This one had been a mountain of a man and probably still had the strength to make a mess of me if things went wrong.”

And it just kept going from there. It was a quick read but has me completely hooked. I have already picked up the first novel and next short story and will likely devour the 8 works in the series.

This story is Urban Fantasy at its best. It is a good fun story. Action, Adventure, and dealing with the undead. I love his British Crime novels as J.E. Mayhew, and enjoyed his YA as Jon Mayhew, but to be honest this one is right up there. If I had to pick a genre that he was best at I do not honestly think I could do it. This was an excellent story that I give top marks to and highly recommend.   

Books as J.E. Mayhew:
DCI William Blake Series:

Books as Jon Mayhew:
The Spybrarian

Monster Odyssey Series:
1.0 The Eye of Neptune
2.0 The Wrath of the Lizard Lord
3.0 The Curse of the Ice Serpent
4.0 The Venom of the Scorpion
…

Mortlock Series:
2.0 The Demon Collector
3.0 The Bonehill Curse
…
…

Collins Big Cat Series:
The Merchant of Venice: Band 16/Sapphire
Hamlet: Band 18/Pearl
Romeo and Juliet: Band 18/Pearl
Macbeth: Band 18/Pearl
…

Contributed to:
Beyond the Book: A Collection of Short Stories
Storycraft: How To Teach Creative Writing
Criminal Shorts: UK Crime Book Club Anthology
Make Doves Not War - Forward
…

Books as Edwin Torr:
Dead Means Dead Series
1.0 Demons - 2017
1.3 Cotton Candy - 2017
1.9 Remurdered - 2017
2.0 Angel Hunter - 2017
2.5 Cold Caller - 2017
3.0 Jigsaw Girl - 2018










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Thursday, 10 June 2021

Death's Cold Hand - J.E. Mayhew - DCI Will Blake Book 6.0

Death's Cold Hand
DCI Will Blake Book 6.0
Obolus Books
Zertex Crime
ISBN 9781999840792
ASIN B08Z2Z114T


Wow, this is the 7th story in the DCI Will Blake series and it is another excellent read. I have read the last few stories in the order they were released. And had them pre-ordered and started them on the day they released. At the beginning I was jumping around, but now I read the stores in the order they release. I have stated before that each of the stories is strong enough to be read on its own, but they are better as part of the series and better yet being read in order. I discovered this series based on a recommendation from Alex Smith, author of the DCI Kett books. I had read all the Kett books and was awaiting the next Softley Softley book when Smith mentioned book two in this series, Fearful Symmetry, and gave it a plug. I am still waiting for that Softley novel. But have had a lot of DCI Blake stories to fill the time. After reading that first story I discovered that the author publishes under two names, much like Smith. One for Adult crime novels, J.E. Mayhew and another for Young Adult and younger readers, Jon Mayhew. And I have now read books under both names. I was glad I gave that first one a try and after reading all seven currently available I know I will read this series as long as new books are published in it. And even pre-ordered book 7 the day this one released. I also have plans to go back and read more of Mayhew’s Young Adult offerings as well. These books are not as gritty as the Kett novels, but they are excellent British crime procedural stories. When I reviewed a Kett story I stated I could see Jamie Bamber as DCI Kett, and while reading this I could not help but picture Karl Urban as DCI Will Blake. And can picture it much like the TV series Wired in the Blood. 

But let us now return to this specific book. This story is different than many of the others in the series. It is a little more pure mystery, and a little less action and adventure, or thriller. It feels like a change of pace before the next huge hit to Blake and his team. This story starts with a murder on a War Memorial, And soon the case is taking twists and turns no one could have expected. And soon Blake is pulling together the strings of thoughts and trying to solve the case before things go horribly wrong at a racially motivated political rally. The description of this volume is:

“Could you obey an order that might cost you everything?

When the director of a local veterans’ charity is found murdered on the steps of a war memorial, it seems like a straight-forward case of random street violence. But similarities with a previous death arouse Blake’s suspicions and the apparently well-loved victim turns out to have had hidden flaws and many enemies. Blake is drawn into a web of intrigue and danger as he investigates the murder. Could it be terrorist activity? Is a psychotic serial killer stalking veterans? Or is there another explanation? As Blake wrestles with this most delicate and troubling of cases, he hears news that his partner, Laura Vexley has returned to the Wirral, but something is not right. A bombshell revelation means he must avoid contact with her or lose his job. Can Blake keep his professional integrity and solve the murders before the killer strikes again?

… Oh and watch out, Serafina the cat has tooth ache….”

But who is really calling the shots. Is the charity for veterans that it appears to be. Is Blake’s ex really in that deep again. And how can one cat cause such mayhem. 

Another great read from the pen of J.E. Mayhew. It is an excellent offering in a great series. Another book that leaves you desperate for the next volume, No Time For Sorrow. And as always nervous about where it will go. An excellent British crime lit novel, for a master of the genre.   

Books as J.E. Mayhew:
DCI William Blake Series:

Books as Jon Mayhew:
The Spybrarian

Monster Odyssey Series:
1.0 The Eye of Neptune
2.0 The Wrath of the Lizard Lord
3.0 The Curse of the Ice Serpent
4.0 The Venom of the Scorpion
…

Mortlock Series:
2.0 The Demon Collector
3.0 The Bonehill Curse
…
…

Collins Big Cat Series:
The Merchant of Venice: Band 16/Sapphire
Hamlet: Band 18/Pearl
Romeo and Juliet: Band 18/Pearl
Macbeth: Band 18/Pearl
…

Contributed to:
Beyond the Book: A Collection of Short Stories
Storycraft: How To Teach Creative Writing
Criminal Shorts: UK Crime Book Club Anthology
Make Doves Not War - Forward
…

Books as Edwin Torr:
Dead Means Dead Series
1.0 Demons - 2017
1.3 Cotton Candy - 2017
1.9 Remurdered - 2017
2.0 Angel Hunter - 2017
2.5 Cold Caller - 2017
3.0 Jigsaw Girl - 2018
 
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Wednesday, 9 June 2021

Author Profile and Interview with J.E. Mayhew aka Jon Mayhew aka Edwin Torr

Author Profile and Interview with J.E. Mayhew 
aka Jon Mayhew 
aka Edwin Torr
 
JEMayhew as Edwin Torr

I was introduced to the writings of Jon Mayhew through a ply from author Alex Smith. That fist story was on of the books published in the DCI Will Blake series published under the name J.E. Mayhew, and it was a great read. After that I found out that he wrote Young Adult, YA fiction under the name Jon Mayhew. And recently I found out he has an Urban Noir – Supernatural series under the name Edwin Torr. But in the last 8 months I have read 18 of his offering, and the 8 books as Torr in the last 4 weeks. And I have plans to now go after his YA works. I have enjoyed everything I have read from his pen. And the author was willing to take a few minutes from his schedule and answer 20 questions for the readers here at Book Reviews and More, so here in his own words J.E., Jon, or Edwin: 

1. When did you know you wanted to be a writer? How are you nurturing that dream? 

Writing sort of happened to me. I was always a keen reader but never imagined that ‘ordinary’ people like me could write a book. Then one day I broke my ankle and found I had time on my hands! I was reading a lot and that started to spark ideas in my head and I started to write stories. I’m not sure how I nurture being a writer, other than being grateful each time I start writing. I like the freedom it gives me and make sure that I’m out cycling or walking frequently!

2. Who were some of the biggest supporters of your writing? 

My wife, Lin, has been my biggest supporter and has done a lot of the ‘heavy lifting’ domestically while I’ve written the books. She gives me feedback on new drafts and listens to my incessant babbling about new ideas!

3. What authors influenced your writing style and format? 

I think every writer I’ve ever read has influenced me in some way. I very much like the episodic styles of JD Kirk, Alex Smith and Dave Gatward. But I love some of the classic Crime fiction, PD James, and, more recently, Val Mcdermid. But I’ve read all kinds of genres from Crime to Horror to Science Fiction, and I think they’ve all had some kind of influence on me.

4. If you had not become a writer what do you think you would be doing for a living? 

I’d probably still be a teacher because that’s what I did for 25 years before going into writing full time. Even when I started writing, I still went into schools to deliver writing workshops and to talk about books.

5. What does your writing process look like? Takes us through the steps from  idea to publishing?

It’s different every time. I have an idea but sometimes that idea can sit in a folder as a scribbled note for years. Sometimes I have a character in mind but they can’t support their own story so they become part of another tale. Often I’ll write a few thousand words just to get the feel of a story, character or place. Other times, I’ll write a back story that will never go into the main story. Some stories flow, others need teasing out. Nowadays, I write half the story and hand it over to my wife to criticize. Then I back up and take the story in the right direction. Once I know where I’m going, I’ll note down key scenes and follow that loose plan. 

6. Is your writing process different if you are writing YA as Jon Mayhew, crime lit as J.E. Mayhew or Urban fantasy as Edwin Torr? 

They’ve all been different.

7. Speaking of publishing under three names. What inspired you to use different pen names for different genres? 

I started out as a children’s author and so when I wrote the adult Urban Fantasy, I didn’t want my younger audience to find them (they’re a bit sweary and violent). I kind of wish I’d just used Jon Mayhew for the crime stuff because it gets people confused.

8. I have mentioned 3 names, are there any other names that you publish under? If so, what are they? 

No, just them.

9. What books are currently in progress for you? Writing, researching, planning or even just ideas that you would like to work on?

I have the seventh book in the DCI Blake series in the pipeline at the moment and I’m thinking about book 8. I have an idea for a female amateur sleuth story set in the same world but that’s top secret at the moment!

10. Do you have plans to go back and write any more books or stories in the Dead Means Dead series or in the Mortlock universe? 

Possibly but I’m enjoying the crime series so much at the moment that it might be a while before I do. 

11. One of the greatest strengths in your books are the characters, they are so solid and believable. The characters you create, are they reflections of people you know, composites of different people you know or entirely your creations? 

Some are composites, others are observations from life. I watch people a lot (sounds a bit creepy). When I’m on a train or in a shop, if I hear a particular voice or see someone who looks a bit unusual, I store it away. 

12. Who is your favorite character that you have created or enjoy writing most? Why? 

I like Will Blake because he has such a well-mapped-out past. I like the idea that he was in a TV program a long time ago and has a kind of faded celebrity status which he hates. I like his house and his relationship with his pets.

13. I once heard Madeleine L'Engle state that her characters were real to her and almost an extended part of her family, she said once that at the dinner table she sat up and stated "Meg just finished her PhD." Are your characters real to you, do you ever get glimpses of what they are up to now, or once you finish a book is that it? 

While I’m working with a character, I get insights into what they might think about a certain situation but once the book is written, they’ve gone. I’m a bit fickle like that, I suppose many writers are.

14. All of your books are available in electronic formats but with that comes bootleg distribution. What are your impressions of eBooks and the distribution of them through torrents and other illegal means? 

It annoys me when somebody thinks it’s okay to steal from me and ultimately, that theft could stop an author from writing because they aren’t getting paid. Nobody has ever approached me and said, ‘hey, I got your first book from a pirate site but then bought the entire series.’ It seems like people are happy to pay through the nose for IT hardware but often show contempt for the content they’re viewing. I’m aware it happens and that there’s little I can do to stop it but doesn’t mean I have to like it.

15. Some authors monitor torrent sites and contact them to remove their content. Do you do so are have someone do so for you? 

Not really. I just get on with what I’m doing and trust that the vast majority of readers love books enough to understand that the writer deserves some pay!

16. What were some of your favorite authors in your teen years who helped shape you?

As a teenager, I was a big Science Fiction and Fantasy reader. Michael Moorcock was a big favourite, especially his Eternal Champion series which I loved. Robert E. Howard and Lin Carter were big favourites, too. I also enjoyed Edgar Rice Burroughs’ John Carter series. I also read a lot of Horror anthologies, Clark Ashton Smith, HP Lovecraft, James Herbert, and anything I could get my hands on!

17. What are some of your favorite books and authors now? 

The honest answer is I don’t really have favourite authors. I often binge on a particular author and then move on. I’m currently reading some political non-fiction. I’ve just enjoyed Where did I go Right? By Geoff Norcott and Despised by Paul Embery. I’m looking for the next fiction book.

18. I once had a university professor state that the true goal of a university education should be to teach one to learn how to think. What would you state should be the goal of higher education and why?

I think higher education should be a number of things: To learn how to think, sure but also to enrich one’s intellect, to give you new skills and make you an independent thinker. I do think higher education should be rigorous enough that if you have a degree, you should be capable of teaching its constituent subjects to a high level. Obviously, graduates should be employable, so transferable skills are important but less so for me.

19. If you were stuck on a desert island and could only have 10 books to read again and again, what books would you want with you? 

1) Holes by Louis Sachar 
2) Mooninland Midwinter by Tove Janson 
3) Great Expectations by Charles Dickens 
4) A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens 
5) The complete ghost stories of M.R.James 
6) The New Penguin Book of English Folk Songs 
7) Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien 
8) The Wasp Factory by Iain Banks 
9) Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte 
10) The Bible

20. What advice would you give to young aspiring authors and artists?

Enjoy your Art. A reader soon realises when a work lacks soul. Make time to do it and do it a lot. Produce a lot of stuff and a small part of it might be very good!

Thank you Jon for answering those question. If you have not yet encountered Mayhew’s works, I encourage you to give them a try. Start with the first of the Blake stories or the first of the Dead Means Dead, I am certain you will be hooked.

J.E. Mayhew as Edwin Torr
J.E. Mayhew Mystery Writer
Jon Mayhew Young Adult Author.

Links:

Books as J.E. Mayhew:
DCI William Blake Series:

Books as Jon Mayhew:
The Spybrarian

Monster Odyssey Series:
1.0 The Eye of Neptune
2.0 The Wrath of the Lizard Lord
3.0 The Curse of the Ice Serpent
4.0 The Venom of the Scorpion
…

Mortlock Series:
2.0 The Demon Collector
3.0 The Bonehill Curse
…
…

Collins Big Cat Series:
The Merchant of Venice: Band 16/Sapphire
Hamlet: Band 18/Pearl
Romeo and Juliet: Band 18/Pearl
Macbeth: Band 18/Pearl
…

Contributed to:
Beyond the Book: A Collection of Short Stories
Storycraft: How To Teach Creative Writing
Criminal Shorts: UK Crime Book Club Anthology
Make Doves Not War - Forward
…

Books as Edwin Torr:
Dead Means Dead Series
1.0 Demons - 2017
1.3 Cotton Candy - 2017
1.9 Remurdered - 2017
2.0 Angel Hunter - 2017
2.5 Cold Caller - 2017
3.0 Jigsaw Girl - 2018
...
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Tuesday, 8 June 2021

The Lair of Illusion - Carissa Douglas - Douglings Adventures Book 2

The Lair of Illusion
Douglings Adventures Book 2
Carissa Douglas
Scepter Publishers
ISBN 9781594174032
eISBN 9781594174049
ASIN B08XY9VH2M


This was the second book by Carissa Douglas that I have read. And I have really appreciated both of them. The Douglings Advents continue stories that started for younger readers in the Little Douglings books. I still think it is a pity that the earlier series is not available as eBooks. I still need to track down physical copies of that earlier series. This second book is geared for middle grade readers and it is an excellent book and continuation of the series. I really enjoyed both adventures, and look forward to the next offering in the series.

This series reminds me of The Relic of Perilous Falls by Raymond Arroyo Will Wilder Book 1 but geared for a younger audience. That one is for tweens and teens, and this series is great for middle grade and younger tweens. In the first book they encountered Saint Padre Pio, who served as their guide. And in this book they encounter Saint John Henry Newman. The description of this book is:

“The seven oldest of the Douglas siblings are sent to help their three eccentric great aunts settle into their new home. Their home ends up being a castle! The castle is filled with secret passageways and holds a mysterious past. Led by their new friend, beloved St. John Henry Newman, the children will unravel a mystery and equip themselves with spiritual gifts to face a cunning and manipulative villain who has been leading vulnerable souls into his lair of illusion.”

This story is well written and has some excellent illustrations. The writing is clean. The plot moves along at a great pace. The mystical elements, and history of the saint and his focus on faith and reason and excellent to encounter. In this story the saint comes to help the children encounter a gathering darkness. A darkness being used and used by someone who feels greatly wronged. Someone who weaves and twists darkness and loneliness to entrap and ensnare people, specifically at a retirement home. The story has a wonderful family dedicated to god and devoted to each other. And the older children are staying with their great aunts at a family home. The Saint John Henry helps lead and guide the children and even appears to other adults as a local priest.

This second book of the Douglings Adventure Series is a great read, and it is a great continuation of the series. I really enjoyed reading this and could not put it down. I read it in a single sitting. I plan on rereading it with my youngest two. Or maybe having the oldest read it to the other three of us. It is a great read, and fiction that will inspire faith. 


Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Carissa Douglas:
Little Douglings Series:
I Go To Jesus
A Gift of myself
All Things new
…

Douglings Adventures Series:
Mystic Informant
The Lair of Illusion
…

Reviews of other books by John Henry Newman:
Stations of the Cross
Meditations on Mary, Our Mother 
Prayers Before The Eucharist
...

CTS books about Newman:
John Henry Newman: Lead Kindly Light -Dr. Raymond Edwards
Newman His Life and Legacy – Fr. Ian Ker
John Henry Newman Apostle to the Doubtful - Meriol Trevor and Leonie Caldecott
Newman Prayer Book - The Birmingham Oratory (ed)
The Mind of Cardinal Newman: From His Own Writings - Charles Stephen Dessain
St John Henry Newman: A New Doctor of the Church - Fr Hermann Geissler, FSO
Saint John Henry Newman: His Life and Works - CTS
Benedict XVI and Blessed John Henry Newman the State Visit - Benedict XVI
…
…



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Monday, 7 June 2021

Finding God in Loneliness - Father Antonio Ritaccio - CTS Finding God Series

Finding God in Loneliness
CTS Finding God Series
Fr Antonio Ritaccio
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 9781784695651
eISBN 9781784696634
ASIN B07DG23GGP
CTS Booklet PA53


I have read several books in the ‘Finding God Series’ from the Catholic Truth Society. The first book I read in this series was by Deacon Donnelly as well, Finding God When Prayer Doesn't Work. I have read almost 200 volumes from the Catholic Truth Society over the last several years. I have read several books that are part of the CTS Devotions and Prayer Series. I have read many in the CTS Biographies and also Saints of the Isles Series, and the Great Saints Series. But this series is very different. All the titles and volumes in this series are about difficulties in life, or in the family, in faith. I have benefitted from all the books I have read from the Catholic Truth Society. I believe that Father Ritzccio has published just three books and they are all in this series. The description of this volume is:

“Loneliness can point to the very question of our identity – “who am I?” This question affects everyone in every generation, yet very few people are willing to admit that they feel lonely because of the stigma attached. With the help of the saints and other Christians who have experienced loneliness, Fr Antonio Ritaccio offers practical and spiritual help to sufferers – revealing that loneliness, instead of crushing us, can become a significant mechanism that leads us to discover who we really are, and to recognise that we are loved by God.”

The chapters in this small volume are:

You Are Not Alone!
Hungry for a Word
When We Cannot Escape Loneliness
When We Can Do Something about Loneliness
Praying in Loneliness
Prayers
Useful Resources in the UK
Bibliography

This book begins with these words:

“Are you lonely? Feelings of loneliness can affect everyone – young mothers and their babies, the elderly and their carers, pupils and teachers, the police and criminals, soldiers and doctors, seafarers and truckers, clergy and lay people, the rich and famous as well as the poor and homeless. It is tempting to see the feeling of loneliness as a modern problem that needs to be fixed like a broken machine. Countless books have been written on the subject with advice on how to eradicate loneliness from our lives, but often without addressing the reason why we feel lonely in the first place.”

When I picked this book up it was only because I really enjoyed the series. And I wanted to review all of the books in it. But as I was reading it I realized there was a lot I could learn from and apply. I picked it up just to complete the series but have benefitted greatly from reading it. As much as I have loved some of the other books in the series, I believe this is one of the most important titles in the collection. I know many people who have struggled with loneliness in their single state, and have tried to fill that void. This book offers several helpful tips for how to counter loneliness and fill the void. 

Father Ritaccio states:

“We can find ourselves alone even though we may be surrounded by people who love and accept us. For some of us, having poor experiences with trusted friends can lead us to put up barriers to prevent ourselves from being hurt again. We can become emotionally distant with our friends, pushing them further away from us. Our experience of loneliness can lead us to deeper levels of depression. Loneliness can feel as if there is no escape. We may think that we must change our behaviour to be accepted. However, for some of us, our loneliness is a call to change our circumstances, to challenge our thinking patterns, to humble ourselves and ask forgiveness from those we may have offended. If we have hurt the person we love, it is not surprising that we find ourselves alone. In this case, the cure for loneliness is to accept that we were wrong and to say sorry without reservation.”

And further on:

“For others, our loneliness is a trial that cannot be changed. For example, in the case of sickness and death or homelessness. For some of us, the death of a beloved pet can be as devastating as losing a relative. The loneliness and pain of finding ourselves unable to express our loss to someone who understands us can be made worse if we feel we are being ridiculed for being overly sentimental. We may end up helplessly alone because we have been abandoned by our family in our old age, or because of life-changing experiences such as sickness, leaving our home behind, starting a new career or beginning our studies at university. We can feel isolated because we are misunderstood or we find it hard to understand others. These are the sorts of circumstances that we have little control over. In these trials, the Lord calls us to trust, to wait and to hope in his providence and to know that our trial will come to an end.”

And one of the most important lines in the book is:

“However, there are some instances where it is not so clear if we are called to change our circumstances, or to carry our burden with patience. In these cases the Holy Spirit makes us know the difference and how we should deal with our situation.”

Interspersed throughout the book are prayers and tips. Each chapter ends with a prayer and tips in fact. An example from the chapter Hungry for a Word is: 

“Prayer
Heavenly Lord, at times my loneliness overwhelms me, and I have no strength to carry on. Forgive me for the times I have failed to find rest in you and instead turned to distractions to feed me. I thank you for waiting for me and loving me in the Holy Eucharist. Please allow the fruit of the Good News to take root in my heart. Amen.

Tips for Finding God in Loneliness
 • God is waiting to be discovered in others who are in need. Find ways to reach out to others who are lonely and in need. If you cannot leave the house, make a list of people that you know who would appreciate a phone call.
 • Volunteer your time in visiting others who live alone. Ask your parish priest if he can arrange for you to visit or call someone who would like some company.
 • Meditate on Christ’s Judgement of the Nations. “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me” (Mt 31-46).”

This is an excellent read in a wonderful series. And it was one that I really needed. I look forward to reading the remaining books in the ‘Finding God Series’. Now I have several different series from CTS on the go, and over 100 books on my want to read list from the CTS. So many great books so little time. An excellent resource that I highly recommend.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.
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