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Catechism of the Spiritual Life. Manchester, NH: Sophia Institute Press, 2022. Hardback $21.99. eBook $9.99. 336 pages. Available from the publisher.
A priest friend once told me that more people are converted through personal testimonies than brilliant homilies. Cardinal Robert Sarah’s books are written with this unique, personal appeal, while offering a wealth of spiritual wisdom. It’s as if you are learning about the most important truths of our Faith by sitting down and listening to a friend.
In his latest book, Catechism of the Spiritual Life, Cardinal Sarah reveals how to overcome the Church’s identity crisis through Sacred Liturgy, the Sacraments, the Cross, the Holy Spirit, and the Resurrection.
Toward the beginning of the book, Cardinal Sarah invites readers to walk with him. “I propose that you and I make this journey together, the Bible in our hands, while praying to the Lord to give us a listening heart that is capable of discerning between good and evil (cf. 1 Kings 3:9), illumined and guided by the light of faith.”
Cardinal Sarah reveals the essence of each Sacrament and how they are central to our lives today and why freedom to worship publicly is essential. He reaffirms St. John Paul II’s words that “There is no Church without the Eucharist” and encourages priests in how to faithfully live out their vocations for the welfare of their flocks and the Church.
“The book was born of the desire to help them [the faithful] make an interior journey of spiritual ascent, so as to open up for them the possibility of a life-changing encounter,” reflected Cardinal Sarah. “These lines proceed from a heart-to-heart conversation with the Gospel and the Person of Jesus Christ; the author hopes to prompt the reader to have this same heart-to-heart conversation and to help him recollect himself in the place of the intimate presence of God, and to give a tangible character to his effort at conversion, by pointing out the road to follow and the concrete means to use in order to put God back at the center of our essential preoccupations.”
Fr. Robert Jack, STL wrote of the book: “Cardinal Sarah at his finest teaches the fundamentals of the spiritual and sacramental life.”
Other reviewers enthused:
“This reveals a treasure trove of spiritual graces found in our faith that are too often forgotten or people no longer know about.”
“It draws readers into a life of prayer and intimate union with God.”
“Cardinal Sarah writes like he’s talking to the reader—it makes it warm and personal; even when he’s conveying hard truths about the state of the world he relates it heart to heart.”
“Another fantastic offering from Cardinal Sarah.”
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 Catechism of the Spiritual Life, 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.
