Book Review

Too Small a World: The Life of Mother Frances Cabrini (1945, 2024)

Theodore Maynard

This newly republished biography of the first U.S. Catholic saint, Mother Frances Cabrini, captures her extraordinary journey as a pioneering missionary. Cabrini founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, dedicated to serving poor immigrant communities in the U.S. and South America. The book, based on exhaustive records, private letters, and interviews, provides an engaging blend of historical facts and spiritual insights that allow readers to closely connect with Cabrini.

The title, Too Small a World, reflects Cabrini’s belief that the world was too small for her ambitions – she sought to embrace the entire globe. The story begins with her arrival in New York with six fellow nuns, carrying only letters from Rome, and against her original dream of serving in China. Directed by the Pope to work among Italian immigrants, Cabrini faced immense challenges, including hostility from powerful figures.

The biography traces her early life in Italy, where as a child, she dreamed of becoming a missionary, and recounts her eventual work of establishing schools, hospitals, and orphanages in the slums of New York and beyond. Despite opposition, Cabrini’s 28 years of service reflected her unshakable faith and determination to bring Christ’s love to the marginalized. By 1909, she had gained American citizenship and was admired by Presidents and governors alike.

The epilogue includes eyewitness accounts of miracles attributed to her and highlights the reverence shown to her by Popes Leo XIII, Benedict XV, and Pius X. Cabrini’s deep prayer life is emphasized as the source of her extraordinary accomplishments.

To Light a Fire on the Earth: Proclaiming the Gospel in a Secular Age (2019)

Robert Barron and John L. Allen Jr.

To Light a Fire on the Earth: Proclaiming the Gospel in a Secular Age by Bishop Robert Barron and John L. Allen Jr. explores how to spread the Catholic faith in today’s secular world. Bishop Barron, a well-known Catholic apologist and evangelist, addresses pressing religious and cultural issues in three lengthy conversations with Allen. He critiques modern debates on religion and morality, which often devolve into polemics, noting the rising interest in religion on social media platforms.

John Allen introduces Barron as a fundamentally missionary figure, focused on the ‘beating heart’ of Catholicism rather than its secondary aspects. As Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles, Barron is seen as a modern successor to Venerable Fulton Sheen, engaging thoughtfully with a secular world often hostile to religion. This book reflects Barron’s media work, showcasing the intellectual relevance, beauty, and cultural significance of the Catholic faith through personal anecdotes and logical arguments.

The first chapter recounts Barron’s life, from his 1959 birth in Chicago to his passion for baseball and the spiritual and intellectual influences that shaped him. His media work, particularly the Catholicism series and Word on Fire, has millions of followers worldwide. His mission centres on proclaiming a loving God to lapsed Catholics, the indifferent, and secular critics.

The book’s chapters – covering topics like ‘Beauty,’ ‘Goodness,’ ‘Truth,’ ‘Evangelization,’ ‘Prayer and the Supernatural,’ ‘The Bible,’ and ‘Obstacles to the Faith’ – offer a roadmap for rekindling faith. Barron’s core message is that faith is not “infrarational” (below reason) but supernatural, transcending reason while embracing it. He invites readers to set their lives ablaze with the “Word on Fire.”

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Benedict XVI: His Life and Thought (2018)

Elio Guerriero

Elio Guerriero’s 706-page book, Benedict XVI: His Life and Thought, is more than just an engaging biography. It offers a thorough exploration of Pope Benedict XVI’s life and intellectual legacy, providing a fresh perspective on one of the most significant Catholic thinkers of our time. As memories of Benedict remain vivid, the book illuminates his impact on the Catholic Church in today’s world.

Guerriero presents Benedict XVI as “an honest man, in love with Bavaria and books, who reluctantly left his professorial chair for an Episcopal see.” This characterization captures the essence of Joseph Ratzinger, a scholar at heart who accepted the papacy out of obedience. Upon his election as Pope, he viewed the office as having a “martyrological structure,” requiring a deep patience and ability to endure suffering, a reality he personally confronted throughout his papacy.

Pope Francis, in his foreword, expresses profound gratitude for Benedict’s theological depth and balance, highlighting the spiritual connection they shared, particularly during the early years of Francis’ pontificate. Francis also underscores how Ratzinger’s life and work were deeply aligned with the mission of the Church and the ministry of Peter—proclaiming God’s merciful love to the world.

Growing up in Bavaria during the dark years of Nazism, Ratzinger and his family endured the horrors of World War II. His passion for learning and music, as well as his calling to the priesthood, only grew stronger during this period. He went on to serve as a theologian, prolific author, Archbishop of Munich, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), Pope, and finally, Pope Emeritus. The book also clarifies many misinterpretations surrounding his resignation, which was sensationalized at the time.

Signs of Life: 40 Catholic Customs and Their Biblical Roots (2009)

Scott Hahn

Scott Hahn, a renowned Catholic apologist and theologian, presents Signs of Life, a book that explores 40 Catholic customs and their biblical foundations. As the founder of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology and professor at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Hahn uses his expertise to guide readers through these Catholic practices, divided into nine sections with 40 chapters.

Hahn begins with a personal anecdote about how God led him through a career crisis shortly before his conversion to Catholicism. Through this lens, he discovered the beauty of Catholic devotions often dismissed by intellectuals. His purpose in writing is to celebrate the richness of Catholic practices and explain their biblical roots, addressing both Catholics and non-Catholics who question these traditions. Grounded in the mystagogic tradition of the Church, Hahn invites believers to glimpse divine mysteries through these signs.

The book covers topics like holy water, the Mass, infant baptism, the intercession of saints, indulgences, and the Rosary. Hahn explains the biblical and historical roots of these practices, while addressing common objections from non-Catholics, particularly evangelicals. Each chapter ends with a reflection titled “Ponder in Your Heart,” inspired by Mary’s contemplation of divine events (Luke 2:19).

Hahn also highlights the significance of the number 40, reflecting its biblical importance in both the Old and New Testaments. His goal is to deepen readers’ faith by incorporating these devotions into daily prayer, emphasizing that they are part of the pilgrim’s journey toward God. The book stands as a testament to Hahn’s erudition and commitment to bringing Catholic tradition into everyday life.

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The Catholic Guide to Depression: How the Saints, the Sacraments, and Psychiatry Can Help You Break Its Grip and Find Happiness Again (2012)

Aaron Kheriaty, M D & Fr John Cihak, STD

Written by psychiatrist Aaron Kheriaty with Monsignor John Cihak, this book examines the universal problem of depression through the lens of Catholic tradition and teachings. It offers a faith-based, compassionate approach that integrates modern medical knowledge with spirituality.  Illustrated with personal stories, it addresses misunderstood aspects of depression, providing practical advice and theological reflections for healing. Kheriaty notes that depression, whether mild, moderate, or severe, is a pervasive sorrow that even strong spiritual practices may not relieve. He emphasizes that confessionals cannot cure neuroses, just as a psychiatrist’s couch cannot forgive sins. The book also covers recent advances in pharmacological and medical treatments, as well as the benefits and limitations of psychotherapy. The Catholic perspective distinguishes depression from similar states like guilt, sloth, and the darkness of sin, and from the “dark night of the soul,” a spiritual trial experienced by some saints. Healing involves recognizing the physical, psychological, behavioral, cultural, and moral factors contributing to depression, with a focus on Christian hope. The authors highlight that when pain and suffering cannot be fully alleviated, they can become redemptive when united with the sufferings of Jesus on the cross.

The book is structured into four chapters across three major sections: 1. Understanding Depression: This section covers the following topics: Types of Depression, Depression and Spiritual Life, Depression and Related Disorders, Depression and the Tragedy of Suicide 2. Overcoming Depression: This section offers solutions, including: Medication and Other Biological Treatments, Psychotherapy: Its Benefits and Limitations, Spiritual Help for Depression, Divine Filiation and the Virtue of Hope. Three appendices are included: Resources for Further Reading, Prayers in Times of Distress, and An Address by John Paul II on Depression.

Made this Way: How to prepare kids to Face Today’s Tough Moral Issues (2018)

Leila Miller with Trent Horn. 

“Made This Way: How to Prepare Kids to Face Today’s Tough Moral Issues” by Leila Miller and Trent Horn is a timely and accessible guide for Catholic parents, teachers, and counselors. The book addresses the pressing moral issues confronting today’s Christians, issues that were largely absent a generation ago. The authors highlight the challenges posed by the distortions of natural and divine laws that have upended traditional moral stability. They emphasize that many Catholic parents are either unaware of these changes or unsure how to guide their children through this moral confusion. The book is designed to equip those involved in Catholic youth formation with the tools to address sensitive questions without harming a child’s innocence. The authors ground their arguments in natural law, reflecting God’s plan and design, and suggest teaching truth through learned experience. They follow the stages of a child’s development, providing guidance on using natural law to understand moral issues. Chapter 1 outlines the methodology for moral formation, advocating a balance between authoritarianism and permissiveness. The authors recommend an authoritative approach that fosters trust and respect, cautioning against the cultural tendency to mislabel such teaching as indoctrination. The book’s chapters cover key moral topics: 1. Sex Outside of Marriage 2. Same-Sex Marriage 3. Divorce 4. Contraception 5. Abortion 6. Reproductive Technologies 7. Modesty 8. Pornography 9. Transgender Identity 10. Homosexuality Each chapter is structured into three sections: the Catholic teaching on the topic, how to discuss it with prepubescent children, and how to address it with teenagers. The authors combine practical parenting experience with research and sound reasoning, summarizing key ideas at the end of each chapter. The book ultimately serves as a clear explanation of the counter-cultural stance of the Catholic Church.

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The Weight of Glory (2015)

C.S. Lewis

This collection of nine sermons by renowned Christian apologist and novelist C.S. Lewis offers thought-provoking ideas relevant to our time, addressing many erroneous popular notions of modern humans. Lewis explores the concept of glory, relating it to the Christian spiritual journey and the human longing for something greater that bears significance for our daily lives. He argues that our desire for glory is an intimation from God, and we are designed to bear its weight. Our pursuit of worldly pleasures is a distortion because we are meant to seek heavenly joy. Paradoxically, our desires are not too strong but too weak, easily distracted by earthly temptations. According to Lewis, ‘glory’ should not be misunderstood as fame or self-praise but as a divine attribute. Humans are destined to partake in God’s glory, a realization that should inform how we relate to others, as all are partakers of a divine future. In a sermon delivered during World War II, Lewis refutes the argument that the pursuit of learning is futile in wartime, describing this attitude as shortsighted. Life is never free from crisis, and we must continue to learn to inspire hope and progress. Christian life is a spiritual war, and learning is essential to our spiritual growth.

Among other pieces, we read about forgiveness and the perils of seeking social inclusion. Forgiveness is not excusing wrongs but pardoning the inexcusable in others, as Christ did. Seeking social inclusion implies the desire to belong to an exclusive group or society, potentially compromising our principles and distracting us from our duties and moral obligations. In “Transpositions,” Lewis uses the analogy of music to explain how spiritual phenomena are represented in the physical world. Higher forms of existence manifest in lower forms to make them intelligible, like complex music transposed into simple notes for learners. The book also explores pacifism, Church membership, theology, and salvation and grace, highlighting the human effort to follow Jesus, however imperfectly, regardless of the cost.

The righteous Mind: Why People are Divided by Politics and Religion (1900)

Jonathan Haidt.

Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt’s three-part book explores the psychology behind the divisiveness in religion and politics, attributing it to our natural “groupishness” and selfishness. The issue cannot be simplified as good versus evil; our minds are designed for groupish righteousness. As intuitive creatures, our gut feelings or intuitions control our strategic reasoning. Moral concepts are often conditioned by time, place, and culture. To understand the conflicting morals in politics and religion, it is crucial to consider people’s intuitions over reasoning.

Haidt employs the metaphor of a rider and an elephant to describe the human mindset, where intuition and reason vie for dominance. The elephant represents human intuition—powerful and larger than reason, here the rider. Intuitive reactions come first in mental processes, with reasoning coming second, making our moral judgments largely post-hoc. The rider is reason, which must steer the elephant of intuition. Haidt posits six “moral foundations” that underlie human responses: care, fairness, loyalty, authority, sanctity, and liberty. Liberals and conservatives differ in their priorities—liberals value the first two, while conservatives balance all six, giving them broader appeal. Haidt likens the righteous mind to a tongue with six taste receptors, corresponding to the six moral foundations. Successful politicians appeal to the elephant of the people’s righteous mind using as many receptors as possible—they “knew how to talk to elephants.”  Being groupish and selfish implies that our morality can both bind and blind us. According to Haidt, 90 percent of our choices and actions are selfish/intuitive, and 10 percent are groupish. Social hierarchies prevent chaos, but individual choices are also important. This duality in morality led sociologist Durkheim to describe humans as “homo duplex.”  Conflicts in society can be mitigated by understanding others’ perspectives. However, Haidt’s views have faced criticism from some thinkers.

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The Practicing Mind:  Developing Focus and Discipline in Your Life (2012)

Thomas M. Sterner

In this book Thomas M. Sterner argues that self-discipline is the key to success and happiness. He emphasizes that success comes from awareness, patience, disciplined practice, and a willingness to experiment. The author explains that our dissatisfaction often arises from unrealistic expectations and a focus on outcomes rather than the process. Comparing ourselves to others can also lead to frustration. The solution is to cultivate awareness and patience in all areas of life, resulting in greater fulfillment.

Sterner points out that humans often strive for unattainable ideals, influenced by media and marketing that depict perfect, wealthy lives. This leads to high expectations and feelings of inadequacy. Advertisements convince us that our lives are lacking without certain products, fueling this unrealistic pursuit.

Some nuggets of practical wisdom given in the book are:

1. Simplify tasks and take your time to make your goals achievable; goals are guides, not destinations. 2. When your productivity wanes, use the “Do, Observe, Correct” technique. 3. Successful entrepreneurship involves overcoming limiting beliefs, not focusing on money. 4. Zen view: when we advance in our skill level it is harder to concentrate. 5. A habit is the natural way we do something. 6. We never reach a point of feeling “done” in our performance. 7. It’s important to find time to relax. 8. Remain calm, live in the present, and practice with full awareness. 9. Self-control is true power. 10. Developing patience and discipline requires both qualities. 11. Focusing on the process brings the best results. 12. Practice involves deliberate repetition with a goal; learning does not. 13. Avoid self-judgment to conserve energy. 14. Focusing on the process brings inner peace, mastery, and confidence. 15. What we remember is timeless, experienced repeatedly.

Any Friend of God is a Friend of Mine (1996)

Patrick Madrid

In “Any Friend of God is a Friend of Mine,” Patrick Madrid offers a clear, accessible addition to Catholic apologetics. The book addresses Protestant objections to Catholic beliefs about the communion of saints, intercessory prayers, and veneration of saints, which stem from sola scriptura arguments popular since the Reformation. Madrid clarifies the Catholic position, making the book useful for Catholics facing anti-Catholic rhetoric. Madrid addresses criticisms of the “communion of saints” as unbiblical or even necromancy. He argues that Christians, united through Christ, are commanded to love and pray for one another, which justifies asking saints in heaven for their intercession. He critiques the Protestant “Me and Jesus” approach, emphasizing the enduring bond among all Christians. Drawing from the Bible and Church traditions, Madrid explains the Catholic stance through four key ideas.

1. The Church is Christ’s Body: Paul uses the image of the body (Romans) to describe Christian unity, emphasized throughout the New Testament by Christ.
2. Christ has one Body: This includes both the living on earth and those in heaven.
3. Death does not separate Christians: Christ’s victory over death maintains the bond of Christian unity, uniting Christians on earth and in heaven.
4. Christians must love and serve each other: Bound by Christ’s law of charity, this love includes intercessory prayer. The Bible does not restrict this commandment to earth, and there is biblical evidence of saints interceding for us, as shown in Revelation and the Gospels. The “One Mediator” argument is refuted by noting that if asking Christians in heaven to pray for us conflicts with Christ’s mediatorship, so would asking Christians on earth.

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Arnos Pāthiri: Pioneer Indologist & the Forerunner of Kerala Renaissance (2015)

James Puliurumpil.

This biography provides a seven-part study of Johann Ernst Hanxleden (1681– 1732), known in India as Arnos Pāthiri, who significantly influenced Kerala’s cultural and social history. A German Jesuit missionary, Hanxleden is celebrated for his contributions to Malayalam and Sanskrit languages, making him a key figure in Indology. His work introduced Indian culture to the modern world and enriched various disciplines in India, including linguistics and archaeology.

Born near Osnabrück, Germany, Hanxleden joined the Jesuits while studying philosophy. Inspired by Jesuit Wilhelm Weber, he joined the Jesuit mission in Malabar, India. Hanxleden left home in 1699, traveling with Weber and another Jesuit, Wilhelm Meyr. They journeyed across Europe and the Middle East, arriving in Surat in December 1700. After completing his novitiate in Goa, Hanxleden reached the Jesuit Seminary at Sampaloor in Thrissur, Kerala. While preparing for priesthood, he dedicated himself to learning Malayalam and Syriac, the liturgical language of the Syrian Christians of Malabar.

Ordained in 1706, Hanxleden’s missionary life included studies of Sanskrit, Malayalam, Latin, Syriac, Portuguese, and Tamil. He studied with local Sanskrit scholars in Palayoor, becoming the first European Sanskrit scholar and Indologist. He built the Velur Church and served other local churches. Hanxleden died of a snakebite at 51. His remains were later moved to Velur, where he is commemorated with a museum and a heritage church. Hanxleden is honored as a landmark figure in Kerala’s cultural and literary history.

He produced pioneering grammar books in Sanskrit and Malayalam, compiled the first Malayalam lexicon and wrote poetry. His celebrated classic, Puthen Pāna, was the first introduction to the Bible in Malayalam and became a part of Kerala’s Christian lore, traditionally sung during Passion Week. His Grammatica Grandonica is the first Sanskrit grammar study by a European. Hanxleden’s extensive writings on Indian epics showcase his deep knowledge of the subject.

The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness (2024)

Jonathan Haidt

In this four-part book, leading American social psychologist Jonathan Haidt explores the impact of social media on young minds, attributing the recent surge in mental illness to the digital culture of the past two decades. Focusing mainly on American society, Haidt’s insights are relevant globally, highlighting the dangers of screen addiction among the young. He argues that the shift from play-based childhood to touch-screen entertainment has adversely affected mental health, increasing self-harm and suicide rates.

Haidt critiques the convenience of parents allowing children to use cell phones, which leads to physical and mental passivity, social withdrawal, and weakened character development. He stresses that technology, often seen as a blessing, can also be a curse.

The first chapter links the rise of anxiety and depression in Gen Z (born after 1995) to two main factors: the decline of play-based childhood due to parental over-protection and the advent of smartphones with limitless social media access. This “Great Rewiring of Childhood” has left children overprotected in the real world and under-protected online.

Haidt offers practical advice for reversing this damage, including: 1. Encouraging outdoor play without adult supervision. 2. Embedding children in stable, real-world communities. 3. Delaying the introduction of smartphones and social media accounts. 4. Implementing legislative measures to raise the age of “internet adulthood.” The book calls for collective action from parents, governments, schools, and tech companies to provide a healthier childhood for the growing generation.

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The Magician’s Twin: C.S. Lewis and the Case against Scientism (2012)

John G West (Editor)

This collection of essays by 10 prominent contemporary intellectuals delves into C.S. Lewis’s critique of modern science-oriented civilization, where science is often elevated to a secular form of religion. Lewis challenges the prevailing notion of scientism, which sees science as the sole source of truth and wisdom, and warns against its dehumanizing effects on society. He argues that while science is valuable within its domain, when it encroaches into areas beyond its scope, it leads to detrimental consequences. Lewis compares science to magic, highlighting how both can be akin to religions, fostering strong beliefs and authority figures within their respective fields. He emphasizes the importance of skepticism and critical thinking in the face of ideologies masquerading as science. Ultimately, Lewis advocates for a broader understanding of human knowledge that acknowledges the limitations of science and embraces the richness of other disciplines, including religion, in providing meaning and understanding to human existence.

Science fiction often exploits a magical worldview, celebrating great scientists like Darwin and Einstein. Evolutionism, stemming from Darwin’s Theory, suggests matter can guide itself, an irrational concept. If our minds are products of irrational processes, how can we trust them to be rational? Scientism, akin to ancient magicians seeking control through knowledge, fosters a dangerous quest for power without ethical constraints, risking disaster. To safeguard humanity’s future, we must curb the influence of scientism and subject science to ethical oversight. Understanding the natural world’s design and its relationship with the supernatural is crucial for preserving human freedom and dignity, making it a matter of life and death.

The Way of Perfection –

St. Teresa of Avila

One of the timeless classics of Catholic spirituality, authored by the Spanish Carmelite mystic and reformer, Teresa of Avila, offers profound insights into the essence of spiritual life. With a focus on monastic living, the book comprises 42 chapters, serving as a practical guide to a prayerful existence. Teresa, the first woman Doctor of the Church, shares her teachings and counsels her fellow sisters towards spiritual perfection. Emphasizing her own experiences and insights gained through prayer, she highlights key pillars such as fraternal love, detachment from worldly possessions, and genuine humility. Each chapter begins with a summary of the key ideas presented.

These are:

1. The importance of prayer as prime duty, with fasts, penances, and silence as essential
2. The indwelling presence of God attained through the solitude within
3. Vocal prayers should be said with mindful attention.
4. “Recollection” involves gathering one’s faculties to be with God.
5. Meditation serves as the initial step towards acquiring virtues.
6. Commence prayer by acknowledging God’s intimate presence.
7. Prayer of Quiet entails surrendering the will, leading to spiritual joy.
8. Contemplation, a divine gift, surpasses natural abilities.
9. Poverty encompasses various virtues, granting dominion over earthly goods.
10. Detachment involves prioritizing God over worldly possessions.
11. Mortification of the body aids in overcoming self-indulgence.
12. Humility is the true measure of spiritual progress, crucial for prayer.
13. Perseverance ensures victory in spiritual battles.
14. Holy friendship aims at promoting virtue in others.
15. Obedience to God’s will is the central virtue emphasized by Teresa.
16. Trials and temptations are divine means of guiding believers towards fulfillment.
17. Teresa highlights the trans-formative power of the Eucharist and the importance of faith.

The final chapter reflects on the Lord’s Prayer, particularly the plea to be delivered from evil.

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The Book of Daniel (2013): 90 minutes

Director: Anna Zielinski

Robert Miano, Lance Henrikson, Andrew Bongiorno

This is a dramatization of the story of the legendary prophet Daniel, presented as a series of flashbacks narrated by the elderly Daniel before King Cyrus. It is contextualized as the aged Daniel recounting the story before the Persian King Cyrus covering a time span of 70 years of Israelite exile in Babylon. It unfolds through five major episodes, each highlighting the indefatigable faith and moral courage of the legendary prophet. Babylon on the banks of the River Euphrates was the seat of the mighty new Babylonian empire under King Nebuchadnezzar who seized Jerusalem in 605 B.C. When he enslaved the Jews the young boy Daniel along with many other young men was among the exiles.  Daniel and his friends refuse forbidden food, remaining faithful to their God. Two weeks afterwards their diet proves better than that of their Babylonian peers when they appear healthier.

Recognized for his wisdom, Daniel became an adviser to King Nebuchadnezzar, and faced jealousy and danger from courtiers. But Daniel remains the king’s faithful servant without giving up his God. Despite being thrown into a lion’s den, Daniel’s faith protects him, showcasing his unyielding devotion.

In a dramatic turn, King Nebuchadnezzar, troubled by a forgotten dream, threatens his astrologers and magicians with death if they fail to recall and interpret it. Daniel steps in, guided by God, and unveils the dream’s meaning: a colossal image symbolizing future world history, from Babylon’s reign to the rise of other empires and ultimately the Kingdom of God. Impressed, Nebuchadnezzar appoints Daniel as ruler over Babylon. The narrative then follows how these prophecies unfold, including Daniel and his friends surviving the fiery furnace and the lion’s den under Darius’s rule, and the downfall of Belteshazzar, among other historical events.

My Best Friend Anne Frank (2021): 103 minutes

Director: Ben Sombogaart

Cast: Roeland Fernhout, Aiko Beemsterboer, Stefan de Walle, Josephine Arendsen, Lottie Hellingman  et al

This movie is the latest among many movies inspired by the remarkable story of Anne Frank. Based on Alison Leslie Gold’s book, Memories of Anne Frank: Reflections of a Childhood Friend, the film intricately weaves together the recollections of Hannah Goslar, Anne’s closest companion and neighbor during their time in Amsterdam. The film moves between their carefree youth and the grim reality of the Holocaust, set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Amsterdam.  It highlights the struggles of the Jewish community, Hannah and Anne’s increasing awareness of anti-Semitism, and their resilient optimism despite the oppressive circumstances.

Hannah, in particular, harbors selfless aspirations of emulating Florence Nightingale, even amidst the encroaching darkness of the Nazi regime. Meanwhile, Anne’s family, like many others, plans an escape to Switzerland, only to have their hopes dashed when their hiding place is betrayed, leading to their eventual capture. Tragedy strikes further as Hannah’s mother passes away during childbirth, and the Goslar family, too, falls victim to the Nazi dragnet. Detained in an exchange camp, their fate becomes entwined with that of countless others, as they are held as bargaining chips in the brutal calculus of war. Separated from her dearest friend, Hannah is left to grapple with the harrowing realities of existence in the shadow of genocide. The film poignantly captures the anguish of loss, the relentless march of despair, and the indomitable human spirit that perseveres even in the face of unimaginable adversity. Even as it portrays the unforgettable horrors of racist persecution and the horrors of the World war, it is also a tale of friendship and human bonding in the days of such horror, a celebration of humanity.

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Jesus: A Pilgrimage (2016)

James Martin, S J

The bestselling author James Martin was an American businessman before becoming a Jesuit.

This book is the result of a visit to the Holy Land that the author undertook in the company of his colleague Fr George Williams. It is an extraordinary book, a combination of travelogue, memoir, Bible scholarship, historical document and spiritual retreat. Through vivid storytelling and personal reflection, Martin invites readers to join him as fellow pilgrims, exploring the sacred sites of the Jesus story. Along the way, he highlights lesser-known facts and connects the ancient narratives with the author’s own life experiences. From Bethlehem to Jerusalem, the narrative unfolds, weaving together historical context, geographical details, and theological insights. Martin’s journey is not merely an academic pursuit but a spiritual quest, grounded in prayer, experience, and pilgrimage. As readers journey through contemporary Israel with Martin, they encounter Jesus not just as a figure in the Gospels but as a living presence.

At the heart of the book lies a fundamental question: “Who is Jesus to you?” Drawing inspiration from the Caesarea Philippi episode in Mark’s Gospel, Martin explores the dual nature of Jesus as fully human and fully divine. He emphasizes that Jesus experienced the full range of human emotions and challenges but remained free from sin. Rooted in Ignatian spirituality, Jesus: A Pilgrimage offers readers an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Christ and their own faith. Each chapter includes questions for personal reflection or group discussion, inviting readers to engage with the material on a deeper level. Ultimately, Martin’s retelling of the life of Christ serves to illuminate the central message of the Gospels while staying faithful to church teachings and traditions.

The Book of Joy. Lasting Happiness in a Changing World (2016)

His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams

This book stems from a unique collaboration between two eminent spiritual leaders and Nobel Peace Prize laureates: Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa and His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet. Both were deeply involved in political struggles against oppression – Tutu against apartheid in South Africa and the Dalai Lama against Chinese aggression in Tibet. They are highly qualified to discuss this topic, as they represent two major world religions and have personally endured cruelty, exile, and violence. Despite these hardships, they emerged as exceptionally joyful individuals, speaking of human happiness not despite these challenges, but because of them.

In 2016, Bishop Tutu visited the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, to celebrate the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday. They spent seven days together, during which Douglas Abrams recorded their discussions and friendship. Their main focus was on human joy. The book captures their lively interactions, playful teasing, and warm exchanges, all while they reflect on today’s challenging global issues.

In their joint statement, titled “Invitation to Joy,” they assert that the future is not determined by fate but by our actions. Three key lessons evolve from their discussions.

• Suffering is inevitable in life, but adopting an attitude of compassion towards others can help alleviate it.
• While we can’t always control suffering, we can develop mental resilience to cope with it better.
• Instead of letting anger and stress consume us, cultivating compassion and sadness can lead to productive responses. Converting fear into joy and reflecting on sadness can empower us to take positive action to address challenges.

The book ends with a chapter on “Joy Practices,” offering practical tips for cultivating daily joy. Additionally, it provides insights into the life and rituals of the Tibetan Buddhist community in Tibet.

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Not Less Than You – Living and Learning with Mentally Retarded Friends (2002)

Author: Thomas Felix & K. Govindankutty

Founder Director

This engaging short book delves into the personal experiences of Fr. Thomas Felix, a visionary Carmelite priest devoted to serving the marginalized, especially those labeled as ‘mentally retarded.’ As president of the All Kerala Association for the Mentally Challenged and Director of the Central Institute on Mental Retardation, he worked tirelessly for fifty years, pioneering education and rehabilitation for the differently-abled.  The author, writing in the first person, describes this as a “short report” on his thirty years of work in the field. He includes personal experiences only when relevant to provide context and perspective. Born into a large family in central Kerala, Fr. Felix was shaped by his mother’s Catholic faith and his grandfather’s integrity. Encouraged by his parents, he embraced a religious vocation. Inspired by his mother’s compassion for a mentally challenged neighbor named Oommachen, he dedicated his life to helping the less fortunate. Joining the CMI monastery at Mannanam for seminary training, Fr. Felix’s passion for social work led him to lead the Social Action Forum in Changanacherry, prioritizing affordable housing for the underprivileged. Witnessing mentally challenged children in the parish, he founded CIMR to address their needs. He later served as president of the All Kerala Association for the Mentally Challenged, devoted to their care and welfare. Studying Management in Pittsburgh, Fr. Felix garnered support from influential figures and volunteers, including film stars, Church authorities, and political leaders. He introduced the “3 Cs” paradigm for educating and rehabilitating disabled children, promoting their integration into mainstream society. Through events like the Paralympics in Spain and the Republic Day pageant in Delhi, he showcased their abilities. Awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Manav Seva Award in 1994, Fr. Felix’s enduring legacy continues to inspire readers in the field.

All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten (1986).

Robert Fulghum

Robert Fulghum’s timeless classic, “All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten,” resonates deeply with readers, encapsulating profound life lessons in simple, relatable anecdotes. Drawing from his childhood experiences and observations, Fulghum expounds on principles such as sharing, kindness, and balance, reminiscent of the teachings imparted in kindergarten. Through a collection of essays written over several years, Fulghum articulates the essence of human existence, emphasizing values such as apologizing, cleanliness, and wonder. These universal truths, encapsulated in succinct rules, transcend age and circumstance, offering a blueprint for a more harmonious and fulfilling life. Fulghum’s wisdom extends beyond individual conduct to societal and governmental realms, advocating for a return to fundamental principles that underpin human interaction. His revision and expansion of the original text underscore the enduring relevance of his message, resonating with readers across generations.  In essence, “All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten” serves as a timeless reminder of the simplicity and beauty inherent in life’s most basic truths, urging us to embrace them wholeheartedly in our journey towards personal and collective fulfillment.

Key Lessons:

Share everything; Play fair; Don’t hit people; Put things back where you found them; Clean up your own mess; Don’t take things that aren’t yours; Say you’re sorry when you hurt someone; Wash your hands before you eat; Flush (the toilet); Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you; Live a balanced life – learn, drink, draw, paint, sing, dance, play, and work every day; Take a nap every afternoon; When going out, watch for traffic, hold hands, and stick together; Wonder – like the seed in the Styrofoam cup, with roots going down, nobody knows why, but we’re all like that; Remember mortality – goldfish, hamsters, white mice, and the seed all die, as do we; The biggest word of all is “LOOK,” reminiscent of Dick-and-Jane books and the first word learned.

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