Message of Hope

I just turned this in for our Parish newsletter, and thought I'd share it. Excuse the High School-ish book review, its all I have energy for.

Message of Hope, edited by Fr. John R. Waiss

It has been nearly a year since the Holy Father’s visit to the United States, and many may have forgotten the beautiful addresses he gave, the people he spoke with and the over all impact of his visit. Now is a good time to reflect again on his time here, and to see what the Holy Father has to say to us. Message of Hope is a collection of the words of our Pontiff during his 2008 visit to the United States, but it is also much more.

As the reader goes through each address, they are given a summarization in the margin of the book, to help to better absorb all that the Holy Father had to say. His words are simple, but challenging at the same time and summarization gives key points to focus in on. 

Message of Hope is a study guide to be used as the words of the Holy Father are reflected upon. Throughout each address questions are given to better understand the audience that was being addresses, the topic at hand and how it relates to our rich Catholic faith. The questions are ideal for a study group, or for an individual looking to gain more form the words of the Holy Father on his U.S. visit. 

Many questions may arise when reading the addresses. What was he talking about? Who was he addressing? What does this have to do with me at this time? Message of Hope also addresses these questions with a personal reflection at the end of each address. The points of reflection are very good for taking to prayer or using in conjunction with an Examination of Conscience. The Personal Reflections would also be a help to those who like to read in Adoration, to join their prayer and reading together. There would be no better place to read and reflect on the Holy Father’s words than our Adoration Chapel! (Note: our parish just opened a new chapel) 

Message of Hope also features a concise thematic index to assist those looking for specific subjects addresses by Benedict XVI. This enables the reader to also pursue study into a topic of interest via the addresses of the Holy Father.

There is the assumption that reading the works of Benedict XVI can be difficult, and at times this is true, however Message of Hope puts the Holy Father’s words into an easy to read and comprehend format. Message of Hope will be enjoyed by anyone who wants to know more about the Pope and learn more about his words to us, his sheep.