August 18, 2006

Books by Merton and Lewis among those that impact readers’ faith

Here is a list of other books that have made an impact on the lives and faith of some readers of The Criterion:

• No Man Is An Island by Thomas Merton—“Merton has inspired me for years,” said Norbert Schott, a member of St. Paul Parish in Greencastle. “I have even visited [Gethsemani] Abbey and touched his grave and put a smudge of dirt on the book. All his spiritual insights have helped when in crisis and out of crisis.”

• The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis—“It has been more than a force in my faith life,” said Amy Douglas, a member of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross Parish in Bright.

• Daily Devotions for Mothers—“This wonderful book does what it states it will do: affirms, encourages and challenges mothers,” said Martha Broshar, a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Terre Haute. “You learn who you are in God’s eyes. You find your hope in him and are encouraged to share his love with your children.”

• Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott—“Her humor and honesty bring her faith journey into an enjoyable light,” noted Denise Dufresne Hubble. “After reading Traveling Mercies, I shout, ‘Alleluia, God never gives up on anyone.’ ”

• The Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales—“It changed the whole focus of my life, turning it 180 degrees from focusing on what I wanted to what our Lord wanted,” said Margot Cain, a member of St. Bartholomew Parish in Columbus.

• Word into Silence by John Main—With its emphasis on meditation and contemplation, this book deepens a person’s spiritual journey, according to Cathy Dearing, a member of St. Barnabas Parish in Indianapolis.

• Ignatius of Loyola, Spiritual Exercises and Selected Works, edited by George E. Ganss, S.J—“I had lost far too much of the spiritual discipline that I had once had,” said Lisa Roever, a member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Indianapolis. “This book awakened that part of me.” †

 

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