Description
Book SynopsisThe book tells the story of the lives of ten very unique people from the recent past. Each chapter is self-contained, enabling the reader to begin anywhere he/she likes. The reader might choose to read the spiritual odyssey of any of the characters and ponder their journeys of joy, humour, searching, suffering, struggle and their living out the cost of Christian discipleship in very different ways.
Each of the characters showed immense courage and daring in their pursuit of Christ. We witness Edith Stein’s struggle with her Jewish family when she decides to become a Roman Catholic and then a Carmelite nun. Both Edith Stein and Dietrich Bonhoeffer became victims of the Nazi regime in Germany and ultimately of the concentration camps. Popes John XXIII and Paul VI led the Church through Vatican II. Dorothy Day, Oscar Romero, Pedro Arrupe and Teresa of Calcutta had a particular care for the poor. Thomas Merton and Roger of Taizé were devoted to inter-religious dialogue. These are only some aspects of their very rich lives of service. Each chapter will reveal much more.
Trade Review‘These heroes are our contemporaries, and therefore all the more relevant to us all.’
* The Irish Catholic *
‘Comerford’s style is readable and his tone engaging. The portraits...are succinct and interesting...and contain an admirable level of detail.’
* Search Journal *
'the author has provided a rich insight into the hearts and minds of ten of the best-known courageous disciples of recent times. A gem of a volume!'
* The Catholic Post *
‘a well written, pithy and provocative account or ten Christian lives that inspire.‘
* The Furrow *
‘In each life the grace of God triumphed and we see what graced humanity looks like: it is so beautiful and encouraging.’
* Spirituality Journal *
Table of ContentsPreface ............................................................................................... 5
Chapter 1: Edith Stein (1891–1942) ................................................. 7
Chapter 2: Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945) ................................. 19
Chapter 3: Pope John XXIII (1881–1963) ...................................... 34
Chapter 4: Thomas Merton (1915–1968) ........................................ 46
Chapter 5: Pope Paul VI (1897–1978) ............................................ 61
Chapter 6: Dorothy Day (1897–1980) ............................................ 73
Chapter 7: Oscar Romero (1917–1980) .......................................... 87
Chapter 8: Pedro Arrupe (1907–1991) .......................................... 104
Chapter 9: Mother Teresa of Calcutta (1910–1997) ...................... 116
Chapter 10: Roger of Taizé (1915–2005) ...................................... 129
Bibliography .................................................................................. 143
