New Book Assists Readers in Making Room for What Matters—not just Externally but Within
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Sister Timothy Marie Kennedy, O.C.D. Unleashing Hope: The Biography of Ven. Maria Luisa Josefa of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Manchester, NH: Sophia Institute Press, 2022. Paperback $18.95. Ebook $9.99. Available from the publisher.
Ven. Maria Luisa Josefa of the Most Blessed Sacrament (June 21, 1866-February 11, 1937), foundress of the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles and the Carmelitas del Sagrado Corazon de México, lived through the horrific persecution of Catholics in Mexico. Known for her great love of the Holy Eucharist, she tirelessly served the poor, sick, and orphans with loving kindness and compassion. A potential miracle has been submitted to the Vatican for her cause.
The author of Unleashing Hope, Sister Timothy Marie Kennedy, O.C.D. is a member of the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles. She also wrote In the Face of Darkness: The Heroic Life and Holy Death of Mother Luisita, available from Sophia Press.
Readers will be enthralled by the background of Mother Luisita. They will learn about her marriage and dauntless efforts to later become a religious, despite her health, trials, and age.
As I read her riveting biography, it struck me how necessary her story and spirituality are for out times. Considering the state of our world and the recently launched National Eucharistic Revival, Mother Luisita’s words hold a special significance and bring comfort and encouragement. Here are a few of many gems contained in these pages:
“Don’t feel alone because you’re not. Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament wants to be your Confidant, your Friend, your Consoler.”
“Form a beautiful and rich tabernacle for Our Lord within your heart and then do not let Him go. In that way, you will always have Him with you. Enter within yourself, and meeting Him, tell Him all your experiences.”
“Meditate upon the love God our Lord has for you. Be sure to meditate very close to the tabernacle, peacefully and without being apprehensive about this or that because anxiety is bad. It springs from pride.”
Truly, she motivates readers with maxims like: “One soul … united to that of Jesus in the tabernacle can save the world.”
“Unleashing Hope is a biography that can be read on many levels,” related Very Rev. Adam Gregory Gonzales, O.C.D., Provincial Superior, Discalced Carmelite Friars of the California-Arizona Province. “This life story of Mother Luisita is filled with history and spirituality, simple, yet filled with the complexities of revolution and persecution.”
The book also includes excerpts from several documents, including Mother Luisita’s letters and firsthand testimonies about her life.
“Pope Benedict XV described holiness as living the ordinary things of daily life in an extraordinary manner with faith, love and constancy. Sr. Timothy Marie Kennedy, O.C.D., offers to the reader, the biography of the Venerable Servant of God Maria Luisa Josefa, a mirror into the life of a woman, a wife, a foundress of a religious community dedicated to helping the poorest of the poor.” (Msgr. Robert J. Sarno, J.C.D., S.T.L., M.Div., Retired Official of the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints, Vatican)
The example of Mother Luisita will compel you, regardless of your vocation and limitations, to trust in God and allow Him to accomplish extraordinary things even in your ordinary life. “Sr. Timothy Marie’s eloquent work helps us to get to know and love this great spiritual mother who inspires us to remember that ‘for greater things you were born.’” (Fr. Rodger Landry Author, Plan of Life: Habits to Help You Grow Closer to God)
Members of the media may send an email to Sophia Institute Press’ Director of Publicity, Sarah Lemieux at slemieux@SophiaInstitute.com to receive a physical or digital copy of Unleashing Hope, and/or to schedule an interview.
Mary Beth Bracy is a writer who is blessed to research, publish, and speak extensively on various aspects of Catholic spirituality. Her books include Behold the Lamb, Bread of Life and The Little Way of Healing Love Through the Passion of Jesus: The Stations of the Cross with St. Thérèse of Lisieux, and she is co-author of the book Stories of the Eucharist. She has written articles for numerous Catholic publications and recorded some Catholic talks. Mary Beth is also a professional teacher, dual certified in English and Special Education, and the owner of a Catholic book and gift shop online. A proud member of the St. John Paul II generation, and lover of all things St. Thérèse, Mary Beth enjoys spending time in Eucharistic Adoration daily, keeping in touch with her family and friends, as well as, sharing her faith with others.
