Author traces course of her own conversion

Review by DEAN SARNECKI
Special to the WCR

Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, archbishop of Chicago, died of pancreatic cancer Nov. 14, 1996. Thirteen days prior to his death he completed the book The Gift of Peace which documents the false accusations of sexual assault laid against him three years previous and his struggle with cancer.

In this short and engrossing book, Bernardin invites the reader to share in the pain, loneliness and ultimately the faith that sustained him over these three troubling years. The personal character of the writing, his willingness to discuss the difficulties of the attack on his character, and the reconciliation with the accuser teach us much about the character of Bernardin.

Bernardin's struggle with cancer was highly publicized at the time and in this book he describes how his situation led him to identify with both the suffering of Christ and those who are approaching death.

He reveals clearly his battle, not only the physical battle with cancer, but the spiritual toil with the meaning of his death. An encounter with Henri Nouwen helps him come to terms with the disease and his death.

Much has already been written about the work of Bernardin. The book is a tribute to his faith in God and his dedication to the Church. A very worthy book and one that has an abundance to offer any Christian.

I have in the past found the reading of biographies of some of the great writers of the Church to be as tasty as mashed turnip; I read them because they are supposed to be good for me but I don't really like them.

While I like to think that I am intelligent, all I have to do is pick a book on theology, philosophy or Church history to remind myself that I am just an average person with lofty academic ambitions.

It was with great trepidation that I discovered at the local public library a new book on St. Augustine. What a pleasant surprise! This book is one of the Penguin Lives series of famous people and this story of the life of Augustine is readable, understandable and very interesting as presented by Willis.

Willis traces the life of Augustine from his early beginnings in Tagaste, North Africa, his early Roman education, then to Italy where he discards his Manichean beliefs and accepts Christianity, and his return to Africa to establish a monastery and his selection as bishop.

The many and complex writings of Augustine are deftly handled by Willis so that even very difficult philosophical teachings are made quite understandable.

His disagreements with the Manichaean, Donatists, St. Jerome, other bishops, and ultimately Pelagius and Julian lead to voluminous writings that have been preserved by the Church and make interesting reading.

Willis picks carefully through the written record, relying heavily on Augustine's Testimony and The City of God to give the reader a taste of the teachings of Augustine.

This brief account of the life of Augustine is not a thorough account of this great saint's life and theology. But it works as an introduction to Augustine's writings and life that have encouraged me to look more in-depth at some of the other works of this great father of the Church.

Paula D'Arcy, author, counsellor, mother, loses her husband and daughter in a car accident while pregnant with their second child. This loss leads her on a search for a faith that was stronger than the fear she holds deep within.

Ultimately her search takes her to a wilderness retreat in Texas, where for three days she fasts and prays. It is here that D'Arcy discovers God and a reason to live on.

This book came to me highly recommended. To be honest, I was not overly impressed. It is an easy read - it could easily be finished in an evening. The language is simple and the story moves along quickly, almost too quickly. I found that it lacked substance.

D'Arcy, a counsellor, fills the book with a lot of what I would consider popular psychology. Some of the discussion I found to be simplistic and, while trying to probe life's deepest mysteries, came across almost trite or sentimental.

Teachers - buy this book! Now! I would love to meet this woman; I would be thrilled to be taught by this teacher!

I have read and reviewed two of Melanie Svoboda's more recent books, Everyday Epiphanies: Seeing the Sacred in Every Thing and Traits of a Healthy Spirituality, both excellent resources.

Teaching Is Like Peeling Back Eggshells is a book of reflections on teaching that could be used for personal reflection, staff meeting reflections, or small group meetings.

Svoboda reflects on different aspects of teaching and relationships; relationship with students, staff, parents and God. Each reflection ends with a question to deepen your own personal reflection and then a suggested practice for the day.

Highly intelligent, easy to read, and very useful for anyone who "teaches" others.

(Dean Sarnecki teaches religious studies at Archbishop Jordan Catholic High School in Sherwood Park.)

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