Children’s Books Make Great Christmas Gifts

By Regina Lordan
Catholic News Service
WASHINGTON (CNS)—The following books are suitable for Christmas giving:

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“Kristoph and the First Christmas Tree” by Claudia Cangilla McAdam, illustrated by Dave Hill. Paraclete Press (Brewster, Massachusetts, 2015). 32 pp., $16.99
A young boy, a priest and one powerful blow to an oak tree begin this legendary story of how the first Christmas tree came to be. Children will enjoy the detailed illustrations and exciting story about how a group of pagans were shown the power of God by the strength of St. Boniface. The story explains why the evergreen tree is a part of the Christmas tradition and includes a prayer based on the words of St. Boniface. Ages 4-6.

“Drop by Drop” by U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, illustrated by Carrie Gowran. Loyola Press (Chicago, 2015). 39 pp., $4.95
Sylvie is a girl from Burkina Faso who is eager to go to school but cannot because she is tasked with the daily chore of fetching water for her family. It takes all day to carry the water from the river three miles away, leaving her no time for learning in a classroom. But with the help of aid workers from Catholic Relief Services, a well is drilled in her community, dramatically changing her life. American children might have a hard time relating to and understanding how CRS’ development and aid projects around the world help answer Jesus’ call to solidarity with the poor, but “Drop by Drop” will help children see how the church works to make lives better. Younger readers will enjoy “Green Street Park,” a book also by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, about a group of young students inspired by St. Francis to clean up their neighborhood park. Ages 6-10.

“A Missal for Little Ones” translated by Janet Chevrier, illustrated by Joelle d’Abbadie. Magnificat (New York, 2015). 64 pp., $12.99
This beautifully illustrated missal invites young children to become active participants in the Mass with its simple description of the parts of the Mass. The missal does not seek to explain the mysteries, liturgies or the consecration, it only takes the child step-by-step through the parts of the Mass. The book also offers a few prayers for children. Adults can read the book to young ones before attending church, helping the children to recognize what is going on around them, and older children can take the book with them to Mass to help them understand what they are observing. Ages 3-7.

“Just for Today” by St. John XXIII, illustrated by Bimba Landmann. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers (Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2015). 34 pp., $16.00
Bimba Landmann brings to life with colorful and intriguing illustrations St. John XXIII’s decalogue of how to live each day humbly, politely and lovingly toward God and others. Affectionately known as “the good pope,” St. John wrote guidelines that are obtainable, direct, sweet and simple enough for children to follow. The hardcover book is a keepsake that will open the discussion about this pope who courageously had saved the lives of Jews during the Holocaust and was canonized by Pope Francis in 2014. Ages 4 and up.

“Catholic Saints for Children” by Anne-Sophie du Bouetiez, illustrated by Benedicte Lefebvre. Magnificat (New York, 2015). 94 pp., $16.99
Saint books for children might seem like a dime a dozen, but a few stick out. This one certainly will with its bright watercolor illustrations and inclusion of lesser-known female saints, such as St. Genevieve and St. Hildegard. Each passage includes a description of the saint, illustration, reflection and prayer. Children will also get the opportunity to read about soon-to-be saints, such as Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. Ages 3 and up.

“Let’s Pray the Rosary” by Mauricette Vial-Andre, illustrated by Emmanuel Beaudesson. Magnificat (New York, 2015). 33 pp., $14.99
This illustrated hardcover book will give children an introduction to and reaffirmation of the significance of Mary in Catholicism and praying the rosary to ask for her intercession. The passages include stories about how the rosary came to be, the many ways to pray the rosary and stories about the saints and the rosary. Ages 6 and up.

“Brother Giovanni’s Little Reward: How the Pretzel Was Born” by Anna Egan Smucker, illustrated by Amanda Hall. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers (Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2015). 32 pp., $17.
Brother Giovanni was a happy monk who loved to bake. He enjoyed his simple role as baker at the monastery until he was tasked to teach a group of unruly students their prayers before an important visit from the local bishop. But the joyful monk was unsuccessful at being stern and could not control the rowdy bunch. One night it dawned on him to bake his way to success, and Brother Giovanni made little rewards out of salt and dough called “pretiolas” to entice the children to learn their prayers. Alas, the boys and girls couldn’t resist the “pretiolas,” that we now know as “pretzels,” and they learned their prayers just in time. All readers will enjoy this fun story and beautifully illustrated hardcover book. Ages 4-8.

“Junipero Serra: Founder of the California Missions” by Linda Gondosch, illustrated by Emmanuel Beaudesson. Magnificat (New York, 2015). 36 pp., $14.99
Children can learn about one of the church’s newest saints by reading this illustrated hardcover book. Pope Francis, during his trip to the United States in September, canonized Junipero Serra, a Spanish missionary who evangelized native Americans along the California coast. St. Junipero’s journey was difficult and at times seemingly impossible, but he felt called to spread Catholicism despite the exhaustion and dangers. His life story is one that Pope Francis has called an example of a “tireless missionary.” Ages 6 and up.

“Christmas!” by Maite Roche. Magnificat (New York, 2015). 14 pp., $6.99
This board book, sturdy enough for the smallest hands and quick enough for the shortest attention spans, is the perfect story of Christmas for toddlers. Sweet illustrations and simple text will engage little readers. Also in this series is “Our Father” by Maite Roche. Ages 0-3.

Lordan, a mother of three, has master’s degrees in education and political science and is a former assistant international editor of Catholic News Service.

Books for Advent, Christmas, Year of Mercy

By Nancy Frazier O’Brien
Catholic News Service
WASHINGTON (CNS)—Here is a list of new books suitable for reading during Advent, the Christmas season and the Year of Mercy:

• “Advent and Christmas Wisdom from Pope Francis” by John Cleary, Liguori Publications (Liguori, Missouri, 2015). 136 pp., $11.99.
• “Goodness and Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas,” edited by Michael Leach, James Keane and Doris Goodnough. Orbis Books (Maryknoll, New York, 2015). 269 pp., $16.
• “Six Ways to Pray From Six Great Saints” by Gloria Hutchinson. Franciscan Media (Cincinnati, 2015). 144 pp., $14.99.
• “His Mercy Endures Forever: Encountering God’s Mercy in the Mass” by Stephen S. Wilbricht, CSC. Available in English or Spanish. Liturgy Training Publications (Chicago, 2015). 30 pp., $1.59.
• “Sacred Reading for Advent and Christmas 2015-2016” by Apostleship of Prayer. Ave Maria Press (Notre Dame, Indiana, 2015). 75 pp., $1.25.
• “Advent Christmas Grace: Daily Gospel Reflections” by the Daughters of St. Paul. Pauline Books and Media (Boston, 2015). 137 pp., $8.95.
• “God With Us: Rediscovering the Meaning of Christmas,” edited by Greg Pennoyer and Gregory Wolfe. Paraclete Press (Orleans, Massachusetts, 2015). 180 pp., $18.99.
• “Healing: Bringing the Gift of God’s Mercy to the World” by Mary Healy. Our Sunday Visitor (Huntington, Indiana, 2015). 207 pp., $15.95.
• “How the Light Gets In and Other Headlong Epiphanies” by Brian Doyle. Orbis Books (Maryknoll, New York, 2015). 130 pp., $16.
• “Intimate Graces: How Practicing the Works of Mercy Brings Out the Best in Marriage” by Teresa Tomeo (Pastore) and Dominick Pastore. Ave Maria Press (Notre Dame, Indiana, 2015). 139 pp., $13.95.
• “The Advent of God’s Word: Listening for the Power of the Divine Whisper — A Daily Retreat and Devotional” by Rev. Dr. Brenda K. Buckwell, Obl. OSB. SkyLight Paths (Woodstock, Vermont, 2015). 208 pp., $16.99.
• “Hope and a Whole Lotta Prayer: Daily Devotions for Parents of Teenagers” by Barbara Canale. Liguori Publications (Liguori, Missouri, 2015). 384 pp., $19.99.
• “Word by Word: Slowing Down With the Hail Mary,” edited by Sarah A. Reinhard. Ave Maria Press (Notre Dame, Indiana, 2015). 160 pp., $14.95.
• “Advent with Pope Francis: Daily Reflections and Prayers,” edited by Marianne Lorraine Trouve, FSP. Pauline Books and Media (Boston, 2015). 85 pp., $7.95.
• “The St. Teresa of Avila Prayer Book” by Vinita Hampton Wright. Paraclete Press (Orleans, Massachusetts, 2015). 160 pp., $16.99.
• “Remembering God’s Mercy: Redeem the Past and Free Yourself from Painful Memories” by Dawn Eden. Ave Maria Press (Notre Dame, Indiana, 2016). 160 pp., $14.95.
• “Pope Francis and the Joy of Family Life: Daily Reflections,” edited by Kevin Cotter. Our Sunday Visitor (Huntington, Indiana, 2015). 381 pp., $16.95.
• “Divine Mercy for Moms: Sharing the Lessons of St. Faustina” by Michele Faehnle and Emily Jaminet. Ave Maria Press (Notre Dame, Indiana, 2016). 160 pp., $14.95.
• “Love Your Neighbor: Praying Your Way to a Better Life” by Eddie Ensley. Franciscan Media (Cincinnati, 2015). 160 pp., $14.99.
• “Sacred Reading: The 2016 Guide to Daily Prayer” by Apostleship of Prayer. Ave Maria Press (Notre Dame, Indiana, 2015). 416 pp., $15.95.
• “Praying the Rosary: A Journey Through Scripture and Art” by Denis McBride. Liguori Publications (Liguori, Missouri, 2015). 136 pp., $19.99.

Author delivers fascinating tale about medieval church women's group

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The Beguines are a fascinating group of women, and the more one learns about them, the more intriguing they become. Benedictine Sister Laura Swan has written a book that is clear and not technical, accessible and balanced to those unfamiliar with these unique figures, while full of information for those who may already know something about them.
She presents the story of a group of women who not only defied the categories of the church and the state of the time, but who continue to blur them now in the telling of it.
Sister Swan explains about the movement that began in the 1200s:
"The Beguines were a phenomenal way of life that swept across Europe, yet they were never a religious order or a formalized movement. And they did not have one specific founder or rule to live by. But there were common elements that rendered these women distinctive and familiar, including their common way of life, chastity and simplicity, their unusual business acumen, and their commitment to God and to the poor and marginalized. These women were essentially self-defined, in opposition to the many attempts to control and define them. They lived by themselves or together in so-called beguinages, which could be single houses for as few as a handful of Beguines or, as in Bruges, Belgium, walled-in rows of houses enclosing a central court with a chapel where over a thousand Beguines might live -- a village of women within a medieval town or city. And each region of Europe has its own Beguine stories to tell."
These women were dangerous to the institution of the church in various ways; they taught that ordinary people could experience a deep connection to God without the need of an intermediary such as the clergy or hierarchy, and many were themselves mystics, those who experience God's love directly.
"These women spoke from the depth of their experience of God, rather than from mere rational, philosophical argument. Knowledge of God was first and foremost gained in experiencing God's love and in loving God in return." They battled charges of heresy at times, and Sister Swan admits that a few may have indeed been heretics.
Sister Swan shows us how they lived, what they did in ministry, in their writing and preaching, and shows us specific figures, although in some cases we don't have a lot of biographical information about them. She provides a clear, reliable source for a long-neglected topic, and her survey is grounded in solid scholarship.
Although some may find that her circle of inclusion is a bit too wide when she includes figures such as St. Catherine of Siena as a Beguine, she reminds us that a group of medieval women, across various centuries and ethnic groups, embodied Gospel freedom in a way that still intrigues us.
Sister Swan concludes, "The story of the Beguines affirms that women have contributed far more to spirituality and culture than history books have traditionally acknowledged. Their voices proclaim a divine presence that yearns for relationship with each of us. These medieval women offer to us hope and a fresh path: to think creatively, to collaborate to achieve change, and to live with prophetic courage."
Sister Laura Swan offers us the opportunity to peek into a chapter of church history worth knowing more about -- for both men and women.

-- Reviewed by  Kathleen Finley for Catholic News Service

Finley is the author of several books on practical spirituality, including "The Liturgy of Motherhood: Moments of Grace," and has taught in the religious studies department at Gonzaga University for many years.

"The Wisdom of the Beguines: The Forgotten Story of a Medieval Women's Movement" by Laura Swan. Blue Bridge (Katonah, New York, 2014), 202 pp., $16.95. 

‘The Vatican Prophecies’ Is the New One Diocese, One Book Pick

Veteran Journalist John Thavis Explores Modern Day Miracles

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By Sharon Boehlefeld
Features Editor
When John Thavis retired, the former Vatican bureau chief for Catholic News Service took us behind the scenes at the Holy See in his first book, “The Vatican Diaries.” (See our post.)
In his second book, “The Vatican Prophecies,” he’s taking us behind the scenes of “Investigating Supernatural Signs, Apparitions and Miracles in the Modern Age.”
And Thavis’ second book is also the second selection for The Observer Book Club’s One Diocese, One Book program.
Scheduled for release Sept. 15, “The Vatican Prophecies”  talks about relics, such as cloth used by Padre Pio, Therese of Liseux and others, and how people view them.
It also discusses apparations, including the differences in Church attitudes toward the widely acclaimed visits of Mary to Medjugorje in Bosnia-Herzegovina and the less well known, but officiallly recognized, visits of Mary to Adele Brise  near Campion, Wisconsin.
But, as with his first book, Thavis doesn’t just tell the surface story. He looks at the controversies and debates about these phenomena within the Church.
For example, Thavis tells us about Pope Benedict XVI’s concerns about how modern technology can spread word of potential apparitions or miracles before the Church can deal with them properly.
Thavis goes on to discuss a Vatican document outlining procedures for local bishops to examine such claims.

Thought-provoking, inspiring almanac will delight Catholic gardeners

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Any Catholic who enjoys gardening will find much inspiration, both spiritual and practical, in this original compendium written by Margaret Rose Realy, a master gardener, retreat leader and Catholic blogger.
Each chapter highlights a particular month's religious themes, traditions, feasts and special saints and offers unique gardening lore.
For instance, the author presents June as a month of "transformation and new life," not only for plants but for Christians given the gift of Christ's love.
Thus during June we honor saints such as St. Boniface (also known as St. Winfrid), the patron of brewers, and St. Botulph of Ikenhoe, the patron of agricultural workers. And June 29 is the feast of the Solemnity of the Apostles, Sts. Peter and Paul; but did you know that the persecution and martyrdom of these two great saints are traditionally symbolized by the checkered fritillary, a "nodding, blood-red flower"? This is the kind of detail that makes "A Catholic Gardener's Spiritual Almanac" so engaging.
The June chapter closes with several practical tips on early summer gardening, including how to manage root-bound potted plants that you wish to transplant into the garden to fill bare holes left by winterkill or spring bulbs now gone dormant. For the more ambitious, there's even a detailed plan for how to create a home garden with the theme of the Stations of the Cross.

Children's reading: books to pray, learn with all summer long

Reviewed by Regina Lordan Catholic News Service

The following books are suitable for children's summer reading:

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"The Amazing Age of John Roy Lynch" by Chris Barton, illustrated by Don Tate. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers (Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2015). 50 pp., $17.00
There's no time like the summertime for a refresher on American history. "The Amazing Age of John Roy Lynch" would make a nice addition along with a smilar book, "Henry's Freedom Box" by Ellen Levine, to a lesson on slavery and the Reconstruction era. John Roy Lynch was a boy from Mississippi who fought for his own freedom and eventually the freedom of others as an elected state and House representative. He never lived to see a peaceful, unified nation, but during his lifetime he never stopped fighting for those goals. As illustrator Don Tate points out, the intentionally colorful and whimsical illustrations wonderfully accompany this story of a particularly cruel and dark part of American history. Ages 7-10.
 
"Big Tractor" by Nathan Clement. Boyds Mills Press (Honesdale, Pennsylvania, 2105). 28 pp., $16.95
Author and illustrator Nathan Clement's style of simple storytelling using high frequency words paired with brightly colored graphic illustrations will delight toddlers and beginner readers in this book about a tractor. In the story, a farmer revs up his tractor and prepares, plants and harvests crops throughout the seasons. And when it's all done, there's even time for fun on a hayride. Ages 2-5.

You can help fund movie about vocations

Abbie Reese, author of our One Diocese, One Book selection, "Dedicated to God," about the Poor Clare nuns of Rockford, is trying to get the film "Chosen (Custody of the Eyes)" edited in to a feature film. As she says in her flyer, most of the images are the work of one of the youngest women living in the Rockford monastery. If you would like to help spread the word about vocations in the modern world, you can learn more at www.chosenthefilm.com. There is a fundraiser going on now.

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Books approach lessons to youths differently

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Human development is an interesting field of study. Over the last 100 years a variety of social sciences have explored what are developmentally appropriate tasks for each stage of life. A great deal of study has gone into trying to understand the development that takes place during adolescence, the period that runs roughly through the teen years but may begin earlier and often continues into the early 20s.
The two books considered in this review also address these adolescent years but from a religious development perspective. While they come from the same publisher and are aimed at the same audience, their approaches are very different. Both offer ideas that would be beneficial to the teens to which the books are addressed, but only one of the books offers these ideas in a teen-friendly way.
“From Teens to Twenties” offers 28 lessons that the author, Alexander J. Basile, feels that teens should learn. Basile chairs the religion department at Kellenberg Memorial High School in Uniondale, New York.

Slim volume offers amazing depth in history of Jesuits

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With the 2013 election of history's first Jesuit pope, interest mounted exponentially in the now-worldwide Society of Jesus that St. Ignatius Loyola, with nine friends, founded in the 16th century.
What Pope Francis' election means for the Jesuits "remains to be seen," writes Jesuit Father John W. O'Malley. But he points out in "The Jesuits" that "having a Jesuit as pope" represents "an eventuality that through the centuries seemed almost unthinkable."
The reasons it virtually was unthinkable are, from one perspective, what Father O'Malley's brief, easy-to-read history of the Jesuits is about. Over the course of time, "myths and misunderstandings about the Jesuits" entered so deeply into the public mind that "they seem impossible to eradicate," he observes.
Histories of the Society of Jesus written over the centuries often reflected a certain "bifurcation." Either the "Jesuits were saints" or they "were devils," according to Father O'Malley. Only about 20 years ago, he notes, did historians begin "approaching the Jesuits in a more evenhanded way, asking the simple and neutral question, 'What were they like?'"

Enter to win

We're giving a way a copy of "No Pulling Back" by Ruth Ann Hanley.

Enter before May 15, 2015, to win a copy of "No Pulling Back" by clicking on the link at the top of The Observer Book Club home page.

‘No Pulling Back’ Traces Path Of Canine Who Follows Christ

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By Sharon Boehlefeld | Features Editor
“No Pulling Back” by Ruth Ann Hanley (http://hanleyra.com/) is a story well told about a Roman fighter dog who is bred to kill in the amphitheater. Told entirely from the viewpoint of the dog, whom we meet as Daemon, it follows him from vicious “hero” of fights with bears, dogs and humans through his time with an equally vicious Roman soldier far away from home.
While Daemon spends time with the conquered people, his Roman master dies and he escapes his bondage.
While free, he saves a man from a dangerous mountain cat and his life begins to change. The man rewards the starving dog by feeding him and allowing him to stay near him, and to meet his friends, to watch him as he urges people to repent at a river.
When another man arrives and allows himself to be submerged in the river, Daemon senses a power he has never felt before and begins his journey to conversion and real heroism.
In some respects, reading the book is similar to reading Jack London’s “White Fang,” another story of a dog born wild who is tamed and brought to civilization.

'Chosen' preview Wednesday at RU

(Photo provided by Abbie Reese)

ROCKFORD—For those who prefer watching to reading, there will be a chance to take part in One Diocese, One Book April 22 at Rockford University.
That’s when Abbie Reese, author of the book, “Dedicated to God,” about the cloistered Poor Clares of Rockford, will preview a portion of the companion movie, “Chosen.”
“I’m realizing that people don’t understand that the film is collaborative — made with and focused on the nuns,” Reese said.  “I lent the nuns video cameras so that they could record their experiences from their own perspective. The film will offer a rare glimpse into an otherwise remote world.”
The showing will be at Fisher Memorial Chapel on the RU campus.
Reese is producing the film independently. She hopes to raise $25,000 to finish production.
The Rockford Area Arts Council helped Reese with a grant application and supported the film with a Community Arts Access Grant.
“The Rockford Area Arts Council is thrilled to be a partner in this incredible project,” said Anne O’Keefe of the council. “The artistic quality of this film is incredible and the way the story is told is unlike any other.”
The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, the Illinois Humanities Grant and a number of area Catholics have also contributed toward the film’s costs.
Anyone may attend the free screening but Reese will accept donations during the evening.
O’Keefe will join John McGrath,  Rockford Diocese director of Educational Services, to  open the screening.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the showing is at 7 p.m.

Info: www.chosenthefilm.com or www.facebook.com/ChosenFilm.

Military Mom hopes to provide spiritual guidance with book

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By Nate Madden | Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON--There are some conversations that most parents are never truly prepared for, and some that they probably never want to have. Their son or daughter telling them about wanting to join the military is definitely among them.
In her just-released book "Be Safe, Love Mom," Elaine Lowry Brye seeks to make that conversation, as well as the entire lifestyle change following it, much easier for mothers whose children have chosen to don a uniform and serve their country, regardless of the branch.
In addition, she offers practical, emotional and spiritual advice to mothers who are beginning to realize that, in a certain way, they too will be going through the rigors of military training and its subsequent lifestyle with their sons and daughters.
As it says in the book, "While our loved ones are away, acclimating to their new lives as soldiers, we also are undergoing our own initiation period, adjusting to our new identities. ... We need to understand that we are at the beginning of a long and steep road."
"When your child joins the military, you don't just cut the apron strings, they're cut for you with a machete," Brye told Catholic News Service in a phone interview. "There are no books out there that tell you how to parent an adult, much less a motivated, independent warrior."

'Chosen' film preview April 22 in Rockford

(Photo provided by Abbie Reese)

Abbie Reese, author of "Dedicated to God: An Oral History of Cloistered Nuns," is showing a preview of "Chosen (Custody of the Eyes)" April 22 at Rockford University's Fisher Memorial Chapel.
She'll open the evening at 6 p.m. by greeting everyone who comes to see the work-in-progress. The preview will begin at 7 p.m. and be followed by a question and answer session.
Hosts for the evening are John McGrath,  Rockford Diocese director of Educational Services and of Faith Formation, and Anne O’Keefe, president and CEO of the Rockford Area Arts Council.
The event is a fundraiser to help finish producing the film. Signed copies of the books will also be available.
Learn more about the film at www.chosenthefilm.com or www.facebook.com/ChosenFilm.
A free reader's guide to the book is available by clicking on the link at http://observer.rockforddiocese.org/book-club-blog. The book is The Observer Book Club's One Diocese, One Book selection through the Year of Consecrated Life.

New books offer valuable guidance in understanding the Mass

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"Behold the Mystery: A Deeper Understanding of the Catholic Mass" by Mark Hart. Word Among Us Press (Frederick, Maryland). 186 pp., $12.95.

"Mass 101: Liturgy and Life " by Emily Strand, Liguori Publications (Liguori, Missouri). 144 pp., $11.99. 

If it has been a long time since you read a book about the Mass, "Behold the Mystery" is a good one to read.
Author Mark Hart is a young adult, husband and father of four who is also executive vice president of Life Teen International, a "Catholic youth ministry leading teens closer to Christ." His book is a fine one for older teens, to be sure, but it will make ideal reading for anyone who wants to refresh his or her understanding of and appreciation for the Mass.

Reese to speak at Byron March 19

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ROCKFORD—Abbie Reese, author of “Dedicated to God,” will be speaking on March 19, 6-7 p.m., at the Byron Public Library, 100 S. Washington St.
For more information, call Jeannine Hedges at 815/234-5107 or email her at JeannineH@byron.lib.il.us.
"Dedicated to God" is the One Diocese, One Book selection for this year.

Reese at Rockford’s St. Bernadette March 3

ROCKFORD—Abbie Reese, author of Dedicated to God, will speak at St. Bernadette Parish, 2400 Bell Ave., here.
Reese will talk about turning her unprecedented inside view of Rockford’s Poor Clare nuns into a full length documentary film.
There will be a free will offering and a collection of paper products and cleaning supplies for the Poor Clares.
Part of the parish Lent activities, a Soup and Bread dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the talk will follow at 6:30 p.m.

New books provide spiritual reading during Lent or all year

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WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Here is a selection of recent releases that might be suitable for your spiritual reading during Lent or throughout the year.
-- "Lent with Pope Francis: Daily Reflections and Prayers," edited by Donna Giaimo, FSP. Pauline Books & Media (Boston, 2014). 124 pp., $7.95.
-- "Sacred Silence: Daily Meditations for Lent" by Phyllis Zagano. Franciscan Media (Cincinnati, 2014). 132 pp., $9.99.

Author to Speak at Byron Library

ROCKFORD—Abbie Reese, author of “Dedicated to God,” will be speaking on March 19, 6-7 p.m., at the Byron Public Library, 100 S. Washington St.
For more information, call Jeannine Hedges at 815/234-5107 or email her at JeannineH@byron.lib.il.us.

Author to Speak At Two Parishes

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ROCKFORD—Abbie Reese, author of Dedicated to God, will speak at St. Rita Parish, 6254 Valley Knoll Dr., at 7 p.m., Jan. 29. She will talk about turning her unprecedented inside view of Rockford’s Poor Clare nuns into a full length documentary film.
There will be a free will offering and a collection of paper products and cleaning supplies for the Poor Clares.
She will also speak at St. Bernadette Parish, March 3. Watch for details in upcoming editions of The Observer.