January 2014
What’s So Blessed About Being Poor?
L. SUSAN SLAVIN AND CORALIS SALVADOR
ORBIS BOOKS $23.00
Susan Slavin, a human-rights attorney from New York, volunteered as part of a justice and peace initiative on the Kenyan coast. Recalling the well-known Beatitude “Blessed are the poor,” she was skeptical as she witnessed so many
who live in unimaginable hardship. How could someone be both very poor and yet blessed? Slavin slowly found her answer within the history of the AIDS Orphans’ Project in Mombasa and the tireless efforts of Coralis Salvador, a Maryknoll lay missioner. Presented is a piece of their story and their relationships with those living in the slums of Kenya—ravaged by famine, disease,
ethnic wars, class antagonism, and tribal persecution. Chapter titles speak to the surprising ways that many of the young adults characterize themselves: “poor but hard-working,” “poor but truthful,” “poor but have dignity.” This inspiring book by women of faith and hope will help readers experience and, hopefully, examine— even from the secure comfort of their favorite chair—the challenges, choices, and commitments these Kenyans face.
Jorge From Argentina:
The Story of Pope Francis for Children
MARLYN MONGE, FSP, AND JAYMIE STUART WOLFE ILLUSTRATED BY DIANA KIZLAUSKAS
PAULINE BOOKS AND MEDIA $8.95
This book is a wonderful way for young readers to meet Jorge Mario Bergoglio, “a regular boy from an ordinary neighborhood in Argentina,” who became the first pope from the Americas. Like the man himself, this story is simple and inspiring. It speaks of the nurturing love of the Bergoglio family, Jorge’s courage in serious illness, his service among the Jesuits of Argentina during years of violent military dictatorship, and ultimately his appointment as Archbishop of Buenos Aires. Despite these trials, inside himself Jorge remained a simple priest—close to the people he served, with care for the forgotten. In a true spirit of humility, with deep love for the poor and all creation, Jorge from Argentina chose the name Francis upon becoming our 266th pope. “I will pray for you,” he assured our young faithful, “but you must also pray for me.” Let this book prompt such prayers in your home.
Also available in Spanish.
Just Married
DR. GREG AND LISA POPCAK
AVE MARIA PRESS $15.95
“Your marriage can be a great love story that your children tell their children….You can live happily ever after.” From their work integrating family counseling with the wisdom of Catholic teaching—plus the practical testimony of their own commitment—authors Greg and Lisa Popcak believe these notions to be true. They suggest that the patterns couples establish early
in their marriage—their “master plan,” including the willingness to learn new skills—will predict those attitudes and behaviors they will bring to the relationship ten, twenty, and thirty years down the road. They insist God wants this great love story as well, a strong and lasting witness of the limitless and faithful love God has for us. With a style both personal and pragmatic and by stressing communication and prayer in cooperation with God’s grace, the Popcaks offer
ways to piece the marital puzzle together to help couples achieve the abundant life God desires and a love that will be a light to the world.