Praised be Jesus Christ! One of the advantages of writing these columns is that I can pan the audience for things that I need. Now before you accuse me of being manipulative, I want to share the true story of Archbishop Fulton Sheen: once on a live show he mentioned how he loved homemade chocolate chip cookies. When he came to work the following Monday morning he was greeted by several tons of chocolate chip cookies that had been mailed in from every part of the United States and beyond. On the same note, Father Burish used to shake his head in disbelief at all the food that came in to our rectory... I told him that he couldn’t possibly be surprised by this, as he was constantly whining about how cold the rectory always was and how little there was to eat (and his appearance certainly worked in his favor)! So, what is it that I need? Well, how about your recommendations for great books and inspiring movies.. I periodically share my favorites with you but must admit that many of these were suggested by others who discovered them first. For example, close friends sent me the musical “The Greatest Showman” and I absolutely loved watching it. Based on the life of P.T. Barnum, the music is stirring and the focus on our inherent dignity as children of God is a theme that stays with you long after the credits have run. Other movies that I’ve enjoyed this past year were “Dunkirk” (a true story about World War II that for some reason I knew practically nothing about) and “The Darkest Hour” (set at almost the exact same time as Dunkirk, it movingly portrays the significant role played by Winston Churchill). And for those who enjoy kids’ movies, I watched “Ferdinand” on the way back from our pilgrimage last April – my favorite scene by far was the dance off between the bulls and the German horses. Friends shared with me a new movie about Saint Maria Goretti (fantastic – the Italians, hands down, make the best saint movies!) and a much older movie about Saint Thomas Beckett (“Beckett,” 1964, Peter O’Toole and Richard Burton), which does an amazing job of portraying the unique path of a saint who, but for the grace of God, could have ended up becoming someone much different. Now on to the best books of recent memory: I will start with my favorite from the past year, namely The Time Before You Die, by Lucy Beckett. This author has written the best book I’ve ever read about the Reformation in England and it has caused me to see that event very differently. Beckett has a beautiful way of getting inside the heart and mind of her characters and in the case of her main character, Robert Fletcher, I couldn’t help but love him and sympathize with the struggles of his life. Another favorite of this past year was Mark Sullivan’s Beneath a Scarlet Sky. This true tale of the harrowing heroism of Pino Lello and his family will keep you at the edge of your seat from start to finish. On a more contemplative note, I’ve now read two books by Robert Cardinal Sarah and would especially recommend The Power of Silence. The parts I found to be most compelling were the insights shared by a Carthusian monk who is interviewed extensively by the author. For those of you who are ready to take the next step in your spiritual life, this would make an excellent choice and could make a great companion for your regular visits to the Adoration Chapel. To round out the reading recommendations, friends bought me the book Loosing the Lion by Huizenga and it’s one of the best books I’ve read about Scripture (in this case, the Gospel of Saint Mark). And for those who appreciate biography, The Abbess of Andalusia is hands down the best book I’ve ever read about Flannery O’Connor. In closing, this column is intended to be a quid pro quo – i.e. I’ve offered you my suggestions and now I’m hoping some of you will share with me some of yours. But please just share titles – I’d rather not have an Amazon semi-trailer sitting in front of the rectory next week!
May God lead us to awe and wonder in what we read and watch, so that our souls might better magnify Him! Your friend in Christ, Father Martin
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Monday - Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM Stay Connected with Our ParishWelcome from Our PastorWelcome to Christ the King Catholic Church! Ever since 1938 this parish has been assisting souls in their quest for deeper union with God. Our mission statement is essentially found in the stained glass window above the main altar: “For Christ our King.” Insofar as God made us and we belong to Him, we have come to... Read More
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