We all have our opinions of the scandals that haunted the Roman Catholic Church in the past decennia. Gregory Alexander tells a story from within the Church. In The Holy Mark. he introduces his readers to Louisiana based Father Tony Miggliore, the protagonist of the novel. At what seems an Italian family saga at first sight, a son's upbringing, coming of age and calling to be a Catholic priest, shows already some psychologically twists. Exposure to and engagement with boys is passion in more than one sense.
To mark his Silver Jubilee as a priest, Tony reflects on his life, his highs and lows, and amazement over the role his subcutaneous blood spot played. Not a blood stained window, but an intimate recount of twenty-five years in the Church, spanning 1970-1995. Strong family ties, power, church politics and revenge mark The Holy Mark. Skilfully written, and engaging until the very last page! ( )