Summer Reading, Anyone?

I don’t know about you, but it feels like this summer has certainly snuck in rather quickly and unexpectedly. I am not complaining at all, as I wholeheartedly welcome the warmth and sunshine, but I am particularly looking forward to my cherished summer reading ritual that I enjoy every year. Below are my carefully selected picks for summer reading in 2025 that I believe will be both enlightening and enjoyable.

If you enjoy the Fr. Brown series as much as I do, you will certainly find yourself warming up to the charming characters and engaging storyline in The Sleeping Witness: A Father Gabriel Mystery by Fiorella De Maria. This book explores the disruption at Saint Mary's Abbey caused by a murder in a cottage on its grounds. A foreign artist and war hero is found dead, and Marie Paige, the doctor's wife, is left in a coma. The police suspect her husband, but Fr. Gabriel, a dedicated Benedictine priest, defends his innocence and seeks the truth. Set against the backdrop of post-World War II, the story uncovers the village's hidden secrets and the victims' dark histories.

For some enlightening and thought-provoking spiritual reading, consider delving into "The Life of St. Maximilian Kolbe: Apostle of Mass Communications," written by William L. LaMay. This book tells the story of Saint Maximilian Kolbe. It describes how an encounter with the Virgin Mary led him to join the Franciscan order and promote Marian devotion worldwide. Father Kolbe focused on saving souls through Christ and His Mother by making many sacrifices. As a seminary teacher, he aimed to be a saint by loving others. He achieved this goal when he died in a starvation bunker in Auschwitz, allowing another prisoner to live. Though his intelligence might have won him a Nobel Prize in science or mathematics, he chose instead to follow the example of Jesus' mother and dedicate his life to helping others and converting souls to Christ through Mary. His journey was filled with suffering, reflecting Christ’s words: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. “Disorienting and reorienting... Suspenseful and harrowing.” —The New York Times Book Review. Christopher Boone knows all countries and capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. He relates well to animals but struggles with human emotions, cannot stand being touched, and detests yellow. His investigation into a neighborhood dog's suspicious death creates a captivating and unusual narrative.

Whatever adventure you decide to participate in over the summer , do not forget to grab a good read. Choose one or all of these recommendations or a book of your choosing. Embracing solitude and contemplation grants us self-reflection and inner peace. In these quiet times, we can hear our hearts and souls guiding us toward our true calling. Let’s not fear slowing down; extending these moments may lead to fulfillment and joy.

Happy Reading!

Blessed and Safe Summer to All!

Music Spotlight

“And​ ​so​ ​I​ ​searched​ ​till​ ​I​ ​did​ ​find​ ​what​ ​the​ ​truth​ ​really​ ​is. That​ ​the​ ​flesh​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Christ​ ​is​ ​the​ ​food​ ​that​ ​He​ ​gives. And​ ​the​ ​Church​ ​is​ ​alive​ ​and​ ​the​ ​proof​ ​that​ ​He​ ​lives. And​ ​so​ ​I​ ​rest​ ​in​ ​the​ ​light​ ​and​ ​I​ ​choose​ ​to​ ​believe. This​ ​is​ ​my​ ​faith.”

— Fr. Tansi, "Faith"

Fr. Tansi joined the friars in 2007 and was ordained to the Priesthood May 27, 2017. He currently serves in London, England. His second album, “Light,” is now available where music is sold.

To listen to Fr. Tansi’s music click on his photo.

Totus Tuus

Keep at it!

Keep praying.

Love the Lord.

Peace and Grace.

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