Something's coming — besides 'West Side Story'

I’m pleased to offer this early look at the cover of my next book, Befriending St. Joseph: Finding Faith, Hope and Courage in the Seven Sorrows Devotion.

It will be published in April by Ave Maria Press. Kudos and a deep diaconal bow to my editor, conscience, guru, hand-holder and therapist Eileen Ponder, who helped bring this baby into the world.

From the introduction:

This book is designed for personal reading and reflection. You won’t find a lot of heady theology or arcane translations from the original Greek. It is intended to spark ideas and stir the imagination. I know working on this book has stirred my own imagination, as I’ve sought to offer insights about the life and challenges of one of the church’s most beloved saints, a man venerated in virtually every Catholic church in the world — but a man about whom we know very little. Portions of this book dip into his own imagination, thoughts and dreams in an attempt to help us understand him better and see him as a man in full.

Also: This book includes a short appendix that offers a way to pray these reflections as a group. It could be part of a novena, a retreat, or regular prayer for men’s groups or families. It also includes other popular prayers to St. Joseph.

When Pope Francis issued his letter to announce a Year of St. Joseph, he concluded with this prayer:

Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.

Blessed Joseph, to us too,
show yourself a father
and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage,
and defend us from every evil. Amen.

May this powerful saint be a source of inspiration and hope to us all and walk with us as we journey forward, recalling his sorrows and joys as we confront and embrace the sorrows and joys of our own lives.

St. Joseph, pray for us!