Description
Book SynopsisThis book recounts the author's spiritual transformation resulting from his encounter with new languages and cultures. This encounter allowed the author to transcend the boundaries imposed on him by the circumstances of his birth (born and raised behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War). The fresh outlook on the world that emerged for him is the kind of radical shift that lies at the heart of all intense spiritual experiences, regardless of faith affiliation. His journey moves beyond the self to explore the domain of otherness in language, literature, and the arts. Ultimately, the author arrives at a spiritual place in which disparate, culture-bound realms blendan expanse of acceptance, harmony, and peace.
Trade ReviewMatthew Motyka’s fascinating reflections on the transformative nature of living life multilingually and multiculturally are as engaging as they are edifying. Tracing his lifelong journey of “continual beginnings” and encountering otherness (from Polish to French, English, Spanish, and Italian), his story is one of courtship—with languages, ideas, and ways of being that ultimately deepen Motyka’s capacity for spirituality. A literary and personal peregrination that will reward all readers curious about language, culture, and faith. -- Richard Kern, Director of Berkeley Language Center
This book is a unique, rich blend of deep scholarship and generously shared personal narrative. In it, Matthew Motyka compellingly depicts his complex, ever-evolving, international, multicultural, multilingual life and identity. The three greatest “calls” of his life have been that of the French language, literature, and culture; that of the life of the intellect, and that of Jesuit spirituality. The book is suffused with the author’s deep knowledge of, and search for transcendence through, languages, cultures, literature, and religion. It is written engagingly and accessibly, and will appeal both to fellow scholars and to the general reader. -- Stephanie Vandrick, University of San Francisco
Matthew Motyka's lovely narrative embodies and brings to life the adage that 'the person who speaks two languages is two persons." Assuming there is a real person behind every language one speaks, Matthew gifts us with a wisdom, a clarity, a delicacy, and a humanity which, in their blessed aggregate, both ennoble and inspire. Part autobiography, part spiritual journal, and part prophecy, he has provided a refreshing oasis for every cultural pilgrim. The journey, his journey, is well worth it. -- Bishop Gordon Bennett, S.J., Bishop Emeritus of Mandeville
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments A Note on Translations Prologue One: When Life Was a French Dream Two: Outpouring of the Dream into Real Life Three: The Dream Becoming Flesh Four: Rolling in the Deep Five: Saint Louis de Gonzague: Foreshadowing Six: San Francisco: New World, New Life Seven: O Beautiful! Eight: From Illusion to the Truth Nine: A Coda: The Idiom of the Human Heart Bibliography Index About the Author
