|
 |
|
|
Red Thread: A Spiritual Journal of Accompaniment, Trauma and Healing
by Jennifer Atlee-Loudon. Washington, DC: EPICA, 2001. 159 pp.
This book is a recounting of the author’s experiences as she served the poor people of Nicaragua during the years of the contra war. Each dated entry contains stories about people the author knows or comes to know as she shares life with them, and her reflections on what is happening to them. Again and again she tells of the horrors of war—terror, killings, threats, fear, desperation and despair—as her anguished spirit cries out for an end to the violence. She finds hope and healing in witnessing the goodness of those suffering as they aid and comfort each other and those whom tragedy has newly struck. At the end of the book she reflects on how she has been changed because of all that she has experienced.
This is a gripping account, often not easy to read but deeply engaging. Its message needs to be heard, especially now with our country’s involvement in another war.
Special note: Jennifer Atlee-Loudon is an associate of the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota. |
|
|
Clare: A Light in the Garden
by Murray Bodo.
Cincinnati: St. Anthony Messenger, 1979. 128 pp.
This little book is an imaginative account of the friendship between Francis and Clare of Assisi. Actually, it is more accurate to call this a love story, not in the romantic sense but in the sense of deep spiritual connection. As the author writes, “What a gift it is to find another person whose soul is a mirror of your own, someone with whom love and understanding is inevitable, someone whose fidelity is assured from the outset by the oneness you experience in the Lord!” (55).
Clare’s life is unfolded in short chapters in a writing style that is poetic, insightful and appealing. The reader is led to recognize that Clare was a real human woman with real womanly feelings and needs, which were fulfilled in her absorbing love for God and Francis. I recommend the book to anyone interested in a quick but significant introduction to the life of Clare of Assisi. |
|
|
Francis: The Saint of Assisi
A Novel by Joan Mueller
Allen, Texas: Thomas More Publishing, 2000.
Joan Mueller does a marvelous job in this fictional account of the life of Saint Francis. She stays close to the historical data of the life and times of the saint. The reader goes through Francis’ ups and downs right along with him, from his carefree life as the son of a profitable merchant through his failed attempts at knighthood, from his conversion experiences through his first followers and the approval of his rule, from his evangelistic preaching through his contemplative retreats. This is a great way for readers to discover who Francis was and what he was like. It is easy to see why he is loved by people of many faith traditions. |
|
|
Exploring the Goodness of God: Guides for Exploration into the Franciscan Spirit
This book was compiled by four Communities of Franciscan Sisters (Little Falls and Rochester, Minn.; La Crosse, Wisconsin; and Dubuque, Iowa.) Their intent was to inspire a deeper relationship with God, creation and the people in our lives by delving into various aspects of the Franciscan spirit. The book contains 50 sessions, including all materials needed for each, opening and closing prayers, readings and reflection questions and some background reading. It is especially suited for small group discussions.
For more information, please contact the Office for Associates at 320-632-0693 or email associates@fslf.org . |
|
|
A Sense of the Divine:
A Franciscan Reader for the Christian Year.
Canterbury Press Norwich, 2001. 399 pages.
For anyone interested in reading and reflecting on the lives of Francis and Clare of Assisi, this book is invaluable. Structured according to the Church year, there is a reading by or about Francis or Clare for every day of the year. The readings are from authentic contemporary sources of their era and provide great insight into the spirituality of these great Franciscan saints.
For more information, please contact the Office for Associates at 320-632-0693 or e-mail associates@fslf.org. |
|
|
Let Your Life Speak
Parker Palmer
In Parker Palmer’s book, Let Your Life Speak, he asks, “Is the life I am living the same as the life that wants to live in me?" With this question, Palmer guides one into a reflection focused on finding one’s true calling. As the book cover states, “Let Your Life Speak is an openhearted gift to anyone who seeks to live authentically."
Parker writes, “Before you tell your life what you intend to do with it, listen for what it intends to do with you. Before you tell your life what truths and values you have decided to live up to, let your life tell you what truths you embody, what values you represent.”
Further, Parker maintains, “Vocation does not come from willfulness, no matter how noble one’s intentions. It comes from listening to and accepting ‘true self’ with its limits as well as its potentials." Sharing stories of frailty and strength, of darkness and light, Parker shows that vocation is not a goal to be achieved but a gift to be received. |
|
The Passionate Troubadour:
A Medieval Novel About Francis of Assisi
This is an excellent, easy reading (2004) novel by Ed Hays, which captures well, the spirituality of St. Francis. As the book cover states: “Torn between a desire to please his father, his romantic dreams of knighthood, and a persistent sense that there is something more he’s called to do, the young Francis searches restlessly for his purpose in life. A mysterious gypsy craftsman presents him with a lute charged with the power of lightening. A hermit monk challenges him to listen to his inner longings. And a mystical voice in a broken-down woodland chapel compels him to a seemingly senseless task. Francis is finally propelled to a momentous decision…” Read the book to find out what Francis decides and follow Francis on his exuberant adventure through life, letting yourself be inspired by the awesome spirit of St. Francis. |
TOP |
|
|
