Photina

Photina
n., An issue of water from the earth; a spring; a fountain. v.intr., To rise to the surface, ready to flow; to rise or surge from an inner source. v.tr., To pour forth. adj., In a satisfactory condition; right or proper. interj., Used to introduce a remark, resume a narrative, or fill a pause during conversation; used to express surprise.dictionary.com

Thursday, October 16, 2003

Today is the twenty-fifth anniversary of Pope John Paul II's pontificate.

In honor of the occasion, the book I've chosen to highlight is Witness to Hope: The Biography of Pope John Paul II by George Weigel.

Given unprecedented access to Pope John Paul II and the people who have known and worked with him throughout his life, George Weigel presents a groundbreaking portrait of the Pope as a man, a thinker, and a leader whose religious convictions have defined a new approach to world politics - and changed the course of history. Weigel explores new information about the Pope's role in some of the recent past's most stirring events, including the fall of communism; the Vatican/Israel negotiation of 1991-92; the collapse of the Philippine, Chilean, Nicaraguan, and Paraguayan dictatiorships during the 1980s and the epic papal visit to Cuba. Witness to Hope also discusses the Pope's efforts to build bridges to other Christian communities, and to Judaism, Islam, and other great world religions; presents an analysis of John Paul's proposals for strengthening democratic societies in the twenty-first century; and offers synopses of every major teaching document in the pontificate [as of ~1999].

Pope John Paul II also recently published another volume of poetry: The Poetry of Pope John Paul II: Roman Triptych: Meditation. More information about this book, including reviews and a mail-order form are available at USCCB Publishing.

Finally, you can check out the apostolic exhortation, Pastores Gregis: On the Bishop, Servant of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the Hope of the World, that the Holy Father released today.

posted by Heidi | 16.10.03

Wednesday, October 15, 2003

Today is the feast of St. Teresa of Avila, a Carmelite nun and Doctor of the Church.

Of her book The Interior Castle, Christianbook.com says:

This 16th-century Spanish mystic is considered one of the most profound spiritual teachers in the history of Christianity. Father Kieran Kavanaugh, the editor of the volume, says in his introduction, "The Interior Castle has come to be regarded as Teresa's best synthesis." Teresa received the image of the whole book in a vision on Trinity Sunday, 1577. An early biographer says that she beheld "a most beautiful crystal globe like a castle in which she saw seven dwelling places, and in the seventh, which was in the center, the King of Glory dwelt in the greatest splendor."

The Second Vatican Council pointed out that by penetrating the revealed message, the Christian mystics enrich our comprehension of it and thereby contribute to the Church's living tradition. Among the mystics, St. Teresa of Avila holds a unique position as a witness to divine realities. Her common sense, humor, and penchant for everyday images liven her writings, but she is above all remarkable for her analytical abilities in proving the mystery of God's workings in the soul. On September 27, 1970, Pope Paul VI proclaimed Teresa a Doctor of the Church. During the ceremony the pope spole of her as a teacher of "marvelous profoundity."

posted by Heidi | 15.10.03