This Blessed Mess, Finding Hope Amid Life’s Chaos, by Patricia H. Livingston

In this small book Ms Livingston gives us ( in the words of Henri J.M. Nouwen) “eyes for the hidden treasures of our lives.” She says she has discovered that life can be chaotic at times, and that it is not true that working hard and doing what we think is right will guarantee a favorable outcome.


As this author is wont to do, she sprinkles into her pages dozens of stories, most of them good-natured and filled with encouragement and hope but also a measure of chaos. She shares how she tames these times of chaos, and she says that they are often filled with energy and power. She calls these chaotic times “messiness”—and she finds that along with the “messy” parts there are blessings, which we too can find if we but look. Among the secrets of transforming chaos into a blessing are to approach it with a good sense of humor, to focus on the concerns and needs of others, to pay attention to the good in every situation; and also to remind ourselves of times when we came through chaos well and unscathed.

A Persistent Peace, One Man's Struggle for a Non Violent World by John Dear, SJ

A Persistent Peace, One Man’s Struggle For A Non Violent World, by John Dear, SJ.

This powerful autobiography of a nationally known peace activist is the amazing story of what one man is doing to put into action his belief in the power of peace and the possibility of a world where peace and love conquer war and hatred.  John Dear has been arrested more than 75 times, has spent more than a year in prison for his persistent message of peaceful non-violence, and is persevering in this mission despite the anger and indifference he has continually encountered.

As a young man he was an accomplished pianist, and at one time dreamed of becoming a rock star. But when he recognized the call to the priesthood and to the Jesuits, and to a lifetime commitment to peace and justice, he continued this calling with amazing courage,   both moral and physical. Inspired primarily by the example of Mahatma Gandhi, and also by that of   Dr,. Martin Luther King Jr., Robert Kennedy, Dan and Phil Berrigan, Oscar Romero, Mother Theresa, Dorothy Day, and many other champions of peace and non-violence, and strengthened by his own deep spirituality and convictions, keep him on the quest for peace.

In time he protested the wars in the Gulf, in Vietnam and Iraq, The U.S. support of brutal regimes in Central America, civil war in North Ireland, the building and use of nuclear arms, and anything anywhere in the world that is contrary to peace. He is author/editor of 20 books on peace and non-violence, speaks to huge crowds, has often participated in acts of civil disobedience, -- and has done an incredible amount of pro-peace actions. He ends his story with acknowledgments of and gratitude to countless friends and supporters and dedicates his life and this book to the non-violent Jesus of Nazareth! He hails the coming of a world without poverty,  war or nuclear weapons. The book is inspiring and has a powerful message.

Book Review: Ten Evenings With God, by Ilia Delio

Ten Evenings With God, by Ilia Delio, OSF,  This small book is composed of ten essays on life and our relationship with God, entitled Awakening, Prayer, Desire, Choices, Sifting Out of God’s Love, The Gravity of Love, Love’s Sweet Surrender, Tides of Love, Freedom in Faith and Alive in Christ. As a theologian and chair of Spirituality Studies at Washington Theological Studies, she often writes about theology, Franciscan theology, especially the theology of Bonaventure. At times, “pure” theology is difficult to comprehend, but here her  concepts and language are easily understood, even by those without a theological background.

She speaks of God’s will, God’s love for us, and the darkness and confusion we often experience when we are not attuned to God and our mutual relationship and desires. She says that discernment is necessary for understanding God’s will, how we can best relate to God and others, even understand ourselves; and essential to wise discernment are the virtues of humility, charity and courage.  She speaks with much wisdom and gentleness, in a spirit of prayer. She ends each chapter with personal reflection questions to make her message a part of our everyday life.

It is impossible to adequately convey even a small part of her wisdom. For a deeper understanding of God and the divine element in our lives, her book must be read slowly, prayerfully and with care. It will deeply enrich you and your comprehension of God, and also vastly improve your prayer life and your relationship of love with the God who loves us unconditionally.  ( Sister Ruth Nistler, OSF.)            

Recommended Reading: Jantsen’s Gift, A True Story of Grief, Rescue and Grace, by Pam Cope (with Aimee Molloy).

Recommended Reading:  Jantsen’s Gift, A True Story of Grief, Rescue and Grace, by Pam Cope (with Aimee Molloy). 


An unbelievable story of a woman who changed the world (at least a sizable part of it).  Reading it, you won’t be disappointed!

Recommended Reading: Practicing Peace, A Devotional Walk Through the Quaker Tradition by Catherine Whitmore

Recommended Reading:  Practicing Peace, A Devotional Walk Through the Quaker Tradition.. by Catherine Whitmore. Herself a Quaker, the author shares their 350-year peace tradition  through  hundreds of writings done by fellow Friends.  Dated from the 1600’s to the 21^st century, they speak of personal peace in our day to day living, with others in society and living and promoting peace on  a global scale. Each section ends with questions for the reader on our own peace beliefs and practices. The book is inspiring and thought-provoking and well worth reading.   

Island of Hope, Island of Tears by David M. Brownstone, Irene M. Franck and Douglas Brownstone

Island of Hope, Island of Tears, The Story of Those Who entered the New World through Ellis Island – in Their own Words, by David M. Brownstone, Irene M. Franck and Douglas Brownstone.

This book contains a number of first-hand reports from nearly 15 million European immigrants to the U.S. from 1892 to the early 1950’s. The rigors of crossing the Atlantic and adjusting to a New Land are described in detail, and also amazing stories of a number of them who rose from rags to riches, from illiteracy to university degrees,  from unwanted to international fame, from starvation to plenty, from painful confusion to comfortably adapting to a new life.  Read the book and see how immigration has vastly enriched our nation.

Recommended Reading: The Death of Josseline, Immigration Stories from the Arizona-Mexico Borderlands by Margaret Regan

In The Death of Josseline, Immigration Stories from the Arizona-Mexico Borderlands, Margaret Regan tells incredibly sad stories of  men, women and even children  who attempt to cross illegally from Central-America and Mexico into the U.S. through Arizona –and who die in the desert.  Every year thousands of bodies are reported, of immigrants who had trusted and paid great sums of money to irresponsible coyotes” (guides) on the promise of a safe arrival.

Along with the horror of those who died, Regan also tells of heroic attempts to help the sick and wounded who are reported, to hospitals for proper care. Special mention is made of Catholic and social agencies, volunteers and even some border patrols.  But even these immigrants are sent back to their place of origin.

One reviewer said that this book “should be required reading for everyone --  from President Obama…to migrant rights activists.”