Marie DennisRecensioni

Retelling the most significant events in the life of St. Francis along with social and theological reflection for today, the authors – Catholic and Protestant – present a new picture of the ever popular St. Francis' way speaks most loudly to those who long to do something about inequity and poverty, about consuming consumerism, and spiritual emptiness. His spirituality combines the mystical and earthly, liberation and faithfulness, literal poverty as well as the blessed poverty of the spirit.

This truly wonderful book introduces you anew to the person of Francis--the 'truly catholic' and always contemporary saint. There will be no Christianity as usual for those who read this book."

(while reading I think: what have I been doing with my life?)

Essentially, this book consists of the proceedings of the November 2017 conference held at the Vatican on Gospel Nonviolence, a landmark shift for Catholics away from just war theologies toward Jesus' nonviolence. It is a historical document but it is a readable, valuable compilation of contemporary Catholic thought and experience on Jesus' call to love our enemies and forego violence and vengeance. I have had much to think about since reading it.

A brief, trenchant meditation on discerning and following the vocations to which we are called--Marie Dennis is particularly insightful about the multiple calls we receive over a lifetime, sometimes several at once.

A good exposition of the foolishness of God, a New Testament concept which can also be found in archetypes of Christ as the jester, clown or fool. It highlights the counter-cultural message of Christianity.½

An exquisitely beautifully designed book on the life of the great Italian saint, it combines text by Marie Dennis interspersed with full colour artwork by John August Swanson. Each two page spread is an integral unit for reflection and contemplation on the life of the Christian saint of the ecology.

Swanson's acrylic paintings on paper are brightly coloured miniatures, reminiscent of the best illuminated manuscripts by the anonymous masters of yore. The text uses occasional material from 'The Little Flowers of St. Francis,'reprinted with permission' from Random House.

The book is designed by Roberta Savage, published by Orbis Books of Maryknoll, New York, and manufactured in the United States of America. Orbis Books, which is the publishing arm of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, is careful to note that the books in its imprint 'do not represent the official position of the Maryknoll Society.' This one is 120 pages long, has a bibliography, and a note about Saint Francis of Assisi near the end by the artist John August Swanson, of Los Angeles, who has artwork in the Vatican Museum and the Tate.

Marie Dennis is co-ordinator of the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns in Washington, D. C. and is the co-author of 'Oscar Romero: Reflections on His Life and Writings' and co-author of 'St. Francis and the Foolishness of God.'

IN STORAGE

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